The 2026 Colonial Life Charity Classic at The Woodcreek Club delivered an unforgettable finish, as Cole Sherwood captured his first Korn Ferry Tour victory with a clutch birdie on 17 and a steady par on 18 to win by a single stroke.
While Sherwood celebrated a milestone moment with family and friends, it felt like Columbia, South Carolina earned a victory of its own this week.
With the Colonial Life Charity Classic now set to remain at Woodcreek for the next four years, the tournament’s debut showed just how much this community can rally around golf. Judging by the energy and turnout throughout the week, the future of this event looks incredibly bright.
Walking the course, it was impossible not to notice how the tournament brought people together. Friends gathered along the ropes and inside hospitality areas, families spent the day enjoying time together, and crowds followed both recognizable names and the next wave of golf stars chasing their dreams.
What stood out most was how personal the experience felt. Unlike larger PGA Tour events, fans were able to get close to the players, creating genuine interactions throughout the week. Young fans waited eagerly for autographs while players graciously stopped to sign hats, shirts, and golf balls. Watching those moments unfold, you could not help but wonder if some of these golfers are still learning what their autograph will look like as they begin their professional careers.
A tremendous amount of credit belongs to Chris Baker and the entire tournament staff. Building a professional golf event from the ground up is no small task, especially in its first year, yet everything seemed organized, welcoming, and seamless from start to finish. Columbia embraced the tournament, and the tournament embraced Columbia right back.
If you have not listened yet, be sure to check out our interview with Chris on The Hole Story Podcast, where he shared the vision and anticipation leading into this inaugural event.
Golf is people. The Colonial Life Charity Classic was a reminder of that all week long. It was more than just a golf tournament — it was a celebration of Columbia, of community, and of the way this game can bring people together.
I’m already looking forward to next year.
