Davis Riley captures first individual TOUR win by five-stroke margin at Charles Schwab Challenge

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Davis Riley secured his first individual PGA TOUR victory with a five-stroke win at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club. Riley, playing in the final group alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, carded an even-par 70 to finish at 14-under 266.

Final Round Highlights:

  • Riley's Steady Performance: Despite a bogey on the second hole, Riley maintained composure in challenging conditions with wind gusts over 20 mph.
  • Key Moments:
    • Birdie on No. 4: Riley holed a crucial 27-foot birdie putt at the par-3 4th, part of Colonial's notoriously difficult "Horrible Horseshoe."
    • Consistency: Riley made a 9-foot birdie putt on the 9th, extending his lead over Scheffler to six strokes.
  • Prize: Riley's win earned him $1.638 million, the traditional plaid jacket, and a fully restored 1975 Stingray car.

Scheffler and Bradley:

  • Scottie Scheffler: Scheffler, struggling with accuracy, hit only seven of 14 fairways and managed just one birdie on the 13th hole. He finished with a 71.
  • Keegan Bradley: Bradley, who closed with a 67, ended the tournament at 10-under. He missed a crucial par save on the 18th after finding the rough on both his tee shot and approach.

Other Notable Performances:

  • Collin Morikawa: The only player to finish all four rounds under par, Morikawa ended fourth at 8-under with a closing round of 68.
  • Scheffler’s Season: Despite the loss, Scheffler recorded his 11th top-10 finish in 12 tournaments this year. He has been consistent, recently becoming a father and winning back-to-back tournaments at the Masters and RBC Heritage.

Final Scores:

  1. Davis Riley: 14-under 266
  2. Keegan Bradley: 10-under
  3. Scottie Scheffler: 10-under
  4. Collin Morikawa: 8-under

Riley's victory at the renovated Colonial Country Club marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and challenging conditions. The win positions him as a player to watch in future tournaments.