The Truist Championship 2026
Overview
Dates: May 7, 2026 to May 10, 2026
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Course: Quail Hollow
Course Par: 71
Course Length: 7583
Prize Purse: $20000000
Last week review,
It’s been a frustrating stretch, with three of our selections withdrawing in the past couple of months. The latest blow came when Jake Knapp pulled out just 30 minutes before his tee time. Thankfully he withdrew before playing a shot, unlike Morikawa so at least no revenue was lost. Had the withdrawal come any earlier, we’d have switched to Cam Young — a player we also highlighted in the preview. In smaller fields we typically lean toward four picks, and Knapp’s late exit left us kicking ourselves. Hopefully, those who read the full write‑up still managed to come away with a decent return.
Attention now turns to another Signature Event as the Truist Championship heads back to Quail Hollow. Sepp Straka defends, and those with long memories will recall the course’s major‑championship pedigree — not to mention Rory McIlroy’s fondness for the layout. With the PGA Championship looming next week, we’ll be keeping our recommendations measured.
Preview
The Truist Championship is a $20 million Signature Event held at Quail Hollow Club, featuring a 72‑player elite field and one of the toughest finishing stretches on the PGA TOUR. It is one of the TOUR’s premier Signature Events, attracting a world‑class field and offering one of the richest purses of the season. The event is a 72‑player, no‑cut Signature Event, ensuring all competitors play four rounds.
The field includes 72 top‑ranked professionals, headlined by World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who has a long and successful history at Quail Hollow.
As a Signature Event, the tournament draws many of the world’s best, with past champions and rising stars consistently in contention.
🌳 Course Characteristics — Quail Hollow Club
Par: 71
Length: 7,538–7,583 yards (depending on setup)
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Established: 2003 (as the Wachovia Championship)
Quail Hollow is known for being long, demanding, and visually intimidating. Key features include:
The Green Mile (Holes 16–18): One of the toughest finishing stretches on the PGA TOUR, consistently ranked among the most difficult closing trios in professional golf.
Lengthy par‑4s requiring elite ball‑striking.
Strategic bunkering and elevated greens that punish poor approach play.
Thick rough that places a premium on accuracy off the tee.
Fast, undulating greens typical of major‑championship venues.
Quail Hollow has hosted the PGA Championship and Presidents Cup, underscoring its championship pedigree.
🎯 What It Takes to Play Well at Quail Hollow
Success at the Truist Championship typically requires:
Elite tee‑to‑green performance — long, accurate driving and precise long‑iron play.
Strong par‑4 scoring, especially on holes over 450 yards.
Patience and mental toughness, particularly on the Green Mile.
Fast‑green proficiency, as Quail Hollow’s putting surfaces are among the quickest on TOUR.
Historical trends show that 10 of the last 11 winners were inside the top 5 after Round 2, highlighting the importance of a fast start.
🏆 Previous Winners
Recent champions include:
2025 — Sepp Straka, who won at Philadelphia Cricket Club during the event’s one‑year relocation.
Past champions at Quail Hollow include Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, and Jason Day — all elite ball‑strikers who fit the course profile.
The tournament record is 264 (−21) by Sepp Straka in 2025.
Headline Pick:
Rory McIlroy 6 points +600 Win