The PGA Tour soldiers on this week with the Fort Worth Invitational — a new name for a long-standing and familiar event.
Formerly known as just The Colonial — a name given to the event to represent its iconic host course, the Fort Worth Invitational marks the end of the Texas Swing, as warmer weather allows for an upcoming geographic shift.
Jordan Spieth returns home to Fort Worth, where he has contended each of the last three years. He will be joined by a number of U.S. Ryder Cup hopefuls, including Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka. Webb Simpson is also making his first start since winning The Players Championship.
The Course
Colonial Country Club, a 7,209-yard par 70, has been a mainstay on Tour since 1946. Augusta National is the only other course to have served a longer uninterrupted tenure as host.
The @fortworthinv begins this week at the revered Colonial Country Club. A few things to know before you go! #seefortworth https://t.co/KrOLPRGCH0 pic.twitter.com/y7l8QS3MSG
— Fort Worth (@VisitFortWorth) May 21, 2018
A former U.S. Open host, Colonial is known as a shot-maker's layout due to its many doglegs and tight fairways. Players like Zach Johnson (twice a winner), and Spieth — more accurate but not as long — have found success here.
Defending Champion
Kevin Kisner outdueled Jon Rahm and Spieth last year to earn his second Tour victory. Another example of an accurate, but not long, hitter, Kisner had three straight birdies on his final-round back nine last year to hoist the trophy.
Kisner has remained consistent, with six top-7 finishes since his win here last year. If he can regain his putting touch, he could be dangerous again this week.
Favorites
Past winners Adam Scott and Spieth look poised to make noise. Scott missed out on automatic U.S. Open qualification by one stroke last week with a t-9 finish. The Australian currently has the longest active major championship-start streak, but could have it snapped next month.
Rahm and Fowler are in the field to add some more star power. Rahm has two top-4 finishes in his last three starts, while Fowler has had a rough season aside from a runner-up at the Masters.
Watch out for Koepka. Finally starting to reach full health after a wrist injury kept him out of action for over three months, he finished t-11 at The Players with a 9-under 63 in the final round.
Sleepers
Emiliano Grillo and Bryson DeChambeau have been in great form recently. Grillo has four top-10 worldwide finishes in his last eight starts, while DeChambeau has four top-5 finishes in 2018.
Fort Worth Invitational streaming info
Dates: May 24-27
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Streaming: DAZN (30-day free trial)