Charles Schwab Challenge 2026: Round 3 Tee Times and What You Need to Know

—

Alright, let’s talk golf. The Charles Schwab Challenge is heating up, and we’re heading into Saturday’s third round at Colonial Country Club. This place always brings the drama, and this year is no different. The leaderboard is tighter than a drum, with a bunch of guys within striking distance. If you’re planning on following along, or just want to know who’s playing when, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the Saturday tee times so you don’t miss a single shot.The frontrunners are battling it out in Texas, and it’s anyone’s game. Jordan Smith is sitting pretty at the top after 36 holes, but there are 23 other players breathing down his neck, all within four shots. We’re talking major winners like Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama lurking, along with J.J. Spaun, Gary Woodland, and Keegan Bradley. This is where championships are made, and where careers can take a serious jump.Jordan Smith, if he pulls it off, will have his very first PGA Tour win. The 33-year-old Englishman has already shown he can contend this season, notching a solo third at the Valspar Championship back in March. He’s got a prime spot in the final grouping on Saturday, playing alongside Michael Thorbjornsen and Ryan Gerard. Expect fireworks from that group.

Where to Catch All the Action

If you can’t be there in person, you’ve got options. The third round coverage kicks off on the Golf Channel from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern. Then, CBS takes over from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM Eastern. For those who want to get in on the action super early, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will be streaming starting at 8:30 AM Eastern. They’ll have featured groups and holes, so you can get your golf fix all day long.

The Stakes are High at Colonial

Colonial Country Club is a classic. It’s a track that demands precision, rewards smart play, and can humble even the best golfers. This year’s Charles Schwab Challenge is proving that once again. The pressure is on, and every shot from here on out is magnified. We’re not just looking at a tournament win; we’re looking at potential career-defining moments.Jordan Smith has the lead, but he’s not exactly running away from the field. That’s the beauty of golf, right? One bad stretch, one missed putt, and suddenly that comfortable lead evaporates. Guys like Harman and Matsuyama, with their major championship pedigree, know how to handle pressure. They’ve been in these spots before. They know what it takes to close out a tournament.And then there are the guys who are just quietly grinding. Spaun, Woodland, Bradley – they’re all within striking distance. They might not have the same fanfare as some of the bigger names, but they’re playing good golf. They’re in contention. That’s all that matters when you get to Saturday afternoon.

Saturday's Tee Times: Who's Up When?

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are the full Round 3 tee times for the Charles Schwab Challenge. Make sure you’ve got your calendars marked.

Tee No. 1 – Saturday Pairings

8:36 a.m. – Lanto Griffin, Pierceson Coody, Jackson Suber
8:47 a.m. – Sam Stevens, Patrick Rodgers, Johnny Keefer
8:58 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Brandt Snedeker, Patrick Fishburn
9:09 a.m. – Austin Eckroat, Takumi Kanaya, Seamus Power
9:20 a.m. – Davis Riley, Steven Fisk, Adam Schenk
9:31 a.m. – Max Homa, Max McGreevy, Nico Echavarria
9:42 a.m. – Zach Bauchou, Jeffrey Kang, Nick Dunlap
9:58 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Taylor Moore, Michael Kim
10:09 a.m. – Rico Hoey, Kevin Streelman, Mark Hubbard
10:20 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Kevin Roy, Erik van Rooyen
10:31 a.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Justin Thomas, J.T. Poston
10:42 a.m. – Chandler Blanchet, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Thorbjørn Olesen
10:53 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Davis Thompson, Adrien Saddier
11:09 a.m. – Austin Smotherman, Tom Kim, Ben Griffin
11:20 a.m. – Kevin Yu, Keita Nakajima, Luke Clanton
11:31 a.m. – Matt Kuchar, Matt McCarty, Lee Hodges
11:42 a.m. – Eric Cole, Joel Dahmen, Tom Hoge
11:53 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Garrick Higgo, Andrew Putnam
12:04 p.m. – Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Ricky Castillo, Andrew Novak
12:20 p.m. – Doug Ghim, Gary Woodland, Ludvig Aberg
12:31 p.m. – Mackenzie Hughes, Mac Meissner, Ryo Hisatsune
12:42 p.m. – Brice Garnett, Michael Brennan, A.J. Ewart
12:53 p.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Alex Smalley, Russell Henley
1:04 p.m. – Brian Harman, Hideki Matsuyama, J.J. Spaun
1:15 p.m. – Jordan Smith, Michael Thorbjornsen, Ryan Gerard

The Pressure Cooker: What to Watch For

This is where the mental game really comes into play. You’ve got guys who have been grinding all year, trying to get into this position. Now that they’re here, the nerves can start to creep in. It’s about managing those emotions, sticking to your game plan, and not getting ahead of yourself.Jordan Smith is in the final group. That’s a whole different ballgame. The crowds are bigger, the cameras are closer, and every mistake is amplified. He’s got the lead, but he’s also got the most to lose. He’ll need to play his own game, focus on making pars, and try to steal a few birdies.Then you have the chasers. They’re playing with a bit more freedom, knowing they have nothing to lose. They can be aggressive, attack the pins, and put pressure on the leader. That’s what makes this so compelling. It’s a chess match out there. Who makes the right moves? Who cracks under pressure?The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial always delivers. It’s a tournament steeped in history, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be another classic. With a crowded leaderboard and high stakes, Saturday’s third round is going to be must-watch golf.

A Note on Wagering

For those interested in placing a bet on the action, there are opportunities. Signing up for Fanatics Sportsbook with code “SUBPAR” can get you a special welcome offer. Remember, gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Golf betting can be exciting, but it’s important to approach it with a clear head.

The Course Itself: Colonial's Challenge

Colonial Country Club isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a key player in this tournament. Known as “America’s National Golf Club,” it’s a par-70 layout that demands accuracy off the tee and precise iron play. The greens are notoriously tricky, and the wind can be a factor, especially in the afternoon. This isn’t a course where you can just bomb it around and expect to score. You have to think your way around, manage your misses, and execute your shots.The tight fairways mean you can’t afford to spray it. If you’re consistently finding the rough, you’re going to be chipping out or facing difficult approach shots. That leads to bogeys, and bogeys are what will keep you from hoisting that trophy on Sunday.The greens at Colonial are small and undulating. Putting here requires a good feel and a lot of patience. You’ll see plenty of guys hit good putts that just don’t fall. Conversely, sometimes a mediocre stroke finds the bottom of the cup. That’s golf. But over four days, consistency in your putting stroke will usually win out.

Final Thoughts on Round 3

As we head into Saturday, keep an eye on how the players are handling the pressure. Who looks comfortable? Who seems to be fighting it? The leaderboard is packed, and that means we’re in for a thrilling weekend of golf. It’s going to be a battle of wills as much as a battle of swings.The journey to a PGA Tour win is never easy, and Jordan Smith’s quest for his first is a compelling narrative. But with seasoned champions and hungry contenders hot on his heels, the Charles Schwab Challenge is far from decided. Tune in, enjoy the drama, and may the best golfer win. For more information on PGA Tour events and schedules, you can always check out the official PGA Tour website.