Truist Championship
The Truist Championship is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, recognized as one of its eight elite Signature Events, contested annually in early May with a limited field of approximately 70 to 80 top-ranked players competing for a $20 million purse and full FedExCup points allocation. Sponsored by Truist Financial Corporation, a Charlotte-based banking institution formed by the 2019 merger of BB&T and SunTrust Banks, the event emphasizes philanthropy. The event has raised over $38 million for charities in its host regions since 2003, including more than $36 million for Charlotte-area organizations through 2024 and $2.5 million for Philadelphia-area charities in 2025.[1][2] Primarily hosted at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina—a Donald Ross-designed course known for its challenging layout and history of major championships—the tournament temporarily relocated to the Philadelphia Cricket Club's Wissahickon Course in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, for its 2025 edition due to Quail Hollow preparing to host the PGA Championship later that year, with a planned return to Quail Hollow in 2026.[3] The tournament traces its roots to 2003, when it debuted as the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow Club, quickly establishing itself as a high-profile stop on the PGA Tour with strong fields and notable performances. It underwent name changes following corporate acquisitions: briefly the Quail Hollow Championship in 2009 and 2010 after Wachovia's purchase by Wells Fargo, then the Wells Fargo Championship from 2011 through 2024, during which it solidified its reputation for dramatic finishes and birdie-friendly conditions at Quail Hollow. In 2022, amid preparations for the Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow, the event shifted to TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Maryland, marking a rare deviation from its traditional venue. The transition to Truist sponsorship was announced in August 2024, aligning with Wells Fargo's decision to end its long-term deal after the 2024 edition, and reflecting Truist's commitment to a seven-year partnership that elevates the event's status within the revamped Signature Event series introduced in 2024.[3] Over its history, the Truist Championship (formerly Wells Fargo Championship) has crowned a roster of golf's elite, including multiple victories by Rory McIlroy (2010, 2015, 2021, 2024), who holds the course record at Quail Hollow with a 62, as well as wins by Max Homa (2019, 2022), Wyndham Clark (2023), Sepp Straka (2025), and earlier champions like Anthony Kim (2008), the youngest winner in the event's history at age 20. The tournament's par-71 Quail Hollow layout, stretching over 7,600 yards with its iconic "Green Mile" finishing holes, has tested players' accuracy and power, contributing to its elevation to Signature Event status in 2024, which guarantees elevated prize money and broadcast coverage. Beyond competition, the event fosters community engagement through Truist's initiatives, including youth programs and economic impact exceeding $50 million annually for host regions.[4][5]History
Establishment
The Truist Championship was established in 2003 as the Wachovia Championship, a new tournament on the PGA Tour sponsored by Wachovia Bank in partnership with the tour to promote the bank's national brand, provide client benefits, and generate economic impact for Charlotte, North Carolina.[6] The event debuted from May 8–11 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, selected for its challenging layout—featuring demanding par-4s and the notorious "Green Mile" closing holes—and its regional significance near the bank's headquarters following major course upgrades.[7] As one of the tour's newest stops, it aimed to elevate Charlotte's status as a golf destination, drawing large crowds and highlighting the area's growing prominence in professional golf.[8] The inaugural field was composed primarily of top PGA Tour professionals, with additional spots allocated through Monday qualifiers to include emerging talent and local players, creating an invitational-style mix that emphasized competitive depth. David Toms won the first edition, finishing at 10-under-par 278 despite a dramatic quadruple-bogey 8 on the 72nd hole, securing a two-stroke victory over Vijay Singh, Brent Geiberger, and Robert Gamez.[9] The purse totaled $5.6 million, with Toms earning $1.008 million, underscoring the event's scale as a premier non-major stop that boosted local tourism and business exposure.[10] From its outset, the tournament emphasized charitable giving, directing proceeds toward community development in the Carolinas through partnerships with organizations like Teach For America and support from the Wachovia Foundation, which contributed significantly to education and youth initiatives in the region. This focus aligned with Wachovia's corporate values, fostering long-term community ties while the event solidified its place on the PGA Tour schedule through 2007.[11]Name changes
The Truist Championship, originally established as the Wachovia Championship in 2003, underwent its first significant name change following the 2008 acquisition of Wachovia Corporation by Wells Fargo & Company during the financial crisis. To distance the event from the troubled Wachovia brand amid economic turmoil, Wells Fargo opted not to immediately adopt its name, leading to a temporary rebranding as the Quail Hollow Championship for the 2009 and 2010 editions.[12][13] In 2011, the tournament was officially renamed the Wells Fargo Championship, aligning with Wells Fargo's broader rebranding of former Wachovia branches and integrating the sponsor's identity more deeply into the event. This change included updated promotional materials featuring Wells Fargo's logo prominently on scoreboards, banners, and marketing campaigns, as well as a redesigned trophy in subsequent years to incorporate the sponsor's branding elements, such as in 2019 when a rhodium-plated bronze cup was modified to reflect the updated logo. Over its 14-year tenure from 2011 to 2024, Wells Fargo's sponsorship emphasized client entertainment, television exposure, and targeted advertising, with initiatives like TV spots inviting fans to the event to reinforce brand loyalty among affluent audiences.[14][15][16] The Wells Fargo era concluded after the 2024 tournament when the company announced in December 2023 that it would withdraw from PGA Tour sponsorships effective 2025, citing a strategic shift away from the growing costs of elevated event purses. This paved the way for Truist Financial Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, to step in as the new title sponsor under a seven-year agreement announced on August 6, 2024, renaming the event the Truist Championship starting in 2025. The transition refreshed the event's identity with new promotional materials, including Truist-branded graphics and a distinctive cricket bat-shaped trophy for the 2025 edition at The Philadelphia Cricket Club, symbolizing the venue's historic ties to the sport while establishing Truist's community-focused branding in its hometown market.[17][18][19][20][21][22]Evolution to Signature Event
The PGA Tour introduced Signature Events in its 2024 schedule as a new category of elevated competitions designed to showcase the world's top players, featuring limited fields of approximately 70 to 80 participants and purses of $20 million.[23] These events aimed to concentrate elite talent and enhance viewer engagement by allocating significantly more FedExCup points than standard tournaments, with 700 points awarded to the winner compared to 500 or fewer in full-field events.[24] The Truist Championship was designated as one of the eight annual Signature Events beginning in 2025, succeeding the Wells Fargo Championship's role in the prior year's schedule and transitioning from its prior status as a standard full-field PGA Tour event to this premier tier.[25] This elevation underscores the tournament's strategic importance in the PGA Tour's calendar, positioning it as a key platform just before the PGA Championship to draw global stars such as Rory McIlroy, who has competed prominently in the event's lineage. In 2022, the tournament temporarily relocated to TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Maryland, to accommodate preparations for the Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club.[26] In alignment with Signature Event standards, the 2025 Truist Championship featured a purse increase to $20 million, with the winner receiving $3.6 million—18% of the total—reflecting the Tour's commitment to higher financial stakes that amplify competitive intensity and player participation from the top ranks.[27] The enhanced FedExCup points distribution further incentivizes elite performance, awarding 700 points to the victor to propel standings in the season-long race.[28]Venues
Quail Hollow Club
Quail Hollow Club, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, was originally designed by George Cobb and opened for play in 1961 as a classic parkland layout emphasizing strategic shotmaking amid rolling terrain.[7] The course has undergone significant renovations led by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, beginning in the mid-1990s to modernize its challenges for elite professionals, with key updates in 2016 to prepare for the PGA Championship and further enhancements in 2021 to refine bunkering and green complexes for sustained tour-level play.[29][30] These alterations have elevated the course's reputation as a demanding test that balances length with precision, incorporating strategic water hazards from nearby lakes, over 80 bunkers, and subtle elevation changes that reward accurate approach shots and power off the tee.[31] Measuring 7,558 yards at par 71 for PGA Tour events, Quail Hollow features a robust set of holes that culminate in the renowned "Green Mile"—the par-4 16th, par-3 17th, and par-5 18th—which has long been celebrated for its dramatic finishes and cumulative difficulty, often playing over a stroke above par combined.[7] This closing stretch, surrounded by water and bunkers, has decided numerous tournaments, including instances where players faltered under pressure despite strong positions. The course record of 61 stands as a testament to its occasional yield to exceptional play, set by Rory McIlroy during the 2015 Wells Fargo Championship.[32] Quail Hollow has served as the primary venue for the Truist Championship (formerly the Wells Fargo Championship) from its inception in 2003 through 2021 and in 2023–2024, except for a relocation in 2022 to TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Maryland, due to preparations for the Presidents Cup; the tournament temporarily relocated again in 2025 to the Philadelphia Cricket Club while Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship, with a planned return in 2026. The club's prestige is further amplified by its history of hosting major championships, including the 2017 PGA Championship won by Justin Thomas and the 2025 edition won by Scottie Scheffler, as well as the 2022 Presidents Cup, which have solidified its status as one of the PGA Tour's premier destinations and enhanced the tournament's profile through shared infrastructure and event synergies.[7][33]Philadelphia Cricket Club
The Philadelphia Cricket Club was selected as the temporary venue for the 2025 Truist Championship because Quail Hollow Club, the event's primary host, was committed to staging the PGA Championship that year.[34] This one-time relocation to the club's Wissahickon Course in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, marked the tournament's debut in the Philadelphia area since 2018.[35] The event returned to Quail Hollow in 2026 as planned.[34] Founded in 1854, the Philadelphia Cricket Club holds the distinction of being America's oldest country club, originally established to promote cricket among University of Pennsylvania alumni influenced by English traditions.[36] Golf was introduced to the club in the late 19th century, with the Wissahickon Course specifically designed in 1922 by renowned architect A. W. Tillinghast, a club member whose portfolio includes iconic layouts like Winged Foot and Bethpage Black.[37] The par-70 course stretches 7,119 yards and features tree-lined fairways that demand precise shot-shaping, complemented by strategic bunkering—totaling 118 deep hazards—that guards approaches and penalizes errant play.[4][35] To accommodate modern PGA Tour standards, the Wissahickon Course underwent targeted adaptations, including the addition of forward tees for shorter holes and subtle green contour adjustments to enhance drainage and speed while preserving Tillinghast's original design philosophy.[38] A reversed hole routing was also implemented for the tournament, starting on the club's traditional 10th hole and concluding on the first, to optimize spectator viewing and flow.[38] These changes positioned the layout as a strategic test where even-par scoring was anticipated as the winning total, emphasizing accuracy over distance on its undulating parkland terrain.[39] Hosting logistics for the 2025 event incorporated enhanced fan access through dedicated zones infused with local Philadelphia culture, such as Liberty Bell-themed displays, alongside shuttle services and verified resale ticketing to manage attendance efficiently.[40] Weather considerations focused on the region's variable May climate, which typically features mild temperatures in the 60s-70s°F but risks heavy rain and thunderstorms, prompting contingency plans for potential delays as seen in forecasts predicting 1-2 inches of precipitation mid-week.[41]Format and eligibility
Tournament structure
The Truist Championship is played in a 72-hole stroke play format over four consecutive days, typically Thursday through Sunday, with each round consisting of 18 holes.[23] As a Signature Event on the PGA Tour schedule, the tournament features no cut after 36 holes, allowing the full field of approximately 70-80 players to compete in all four rounds. In the opening two rounds, the field is divided into morning and afternoon waves for tee times, with players grouped in threesomes to optimize pacing and course flow. For the third and final rounds, pairings are reorganized based on cumulative scores from prior play, positioning the leading players in the latest groups to heighten drama for broadcast viewers.[42] Ties for the championship after regulation are resolved through a sudden-death playoff format, starting on the 18th hole and rotating through a predetermined sequence of holes—such as repeating the 18th, followed by the 16th, 17th, and back to the 18th if needed—until a winner emerges.[43] The event week commences on Wednesday with a pro-amateur competition, where PGA Tour professionals are paired with sponsors, celebrities, and local amateurs for an 18-hole practice round that supports charitable initiatives.[44] In cases of inclement weather, play adheres to PGA Tour protocols, which prioritize player and spectator safety by suspending rounds for hazards like lightning or severe storms, with resumption determined by on-site officials and communicated through official announcements and scoreboards.[45]Field composition
The Truist Championship, as one of the PGA Tour's Signature Events, features a limited field of 72 players designed to showcase elite talent without open qualifying rounds.[46][47] This structure prioritizes the top performers in the FedExCup standings from the prior season, with the top 50 receiving automatic invitations to ensure the participation of consistent high achievers.[25] Additional spots are filled through targeted invitation categories to incorporate recent excellence and strategic selections. The Aon Next 10 category grants entry to the top 10 players in the current-season FedExCup standings who are not already exempt via the top 50, while the Aon Swing 5 invites the top five FedExCup point earners from the preceding swing of full-field events, rewarding strong recent form.[25] Current-year winners of PGA Tour events, including major champions from the prior six months, also qualify if not otherwise exempt, alongside PGA Tour members ranked in the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking.[25] Past champions of the Truist Championship (or its predecessor events) are typically included through these pathways, such as via prior-season standings or recent wins. Up to four sponsor exemptions are available per event, reserved for PGA Tour members to add fan-favorite or emerging talents.[23][47] This composition emphasizes exclusivity and competitive depth, drawing the world's top-ranked players like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (when participating) and ensuring no public qualifiers dilute the elite focus.[25] For the 2025 edition at Philadelphia Cricket Club, the field was headlined by defending champion Rory McIlroy and included top-ranked stars such as Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa, with sponsor exemptions going to Rickie Fowler, Keith Mitchell, Jordan Spieth, and Gary Woodland.[47]Sponsorship
Current sponsor
Truist Financial Corporation, formed in 2019 through a merger of equals between BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks, Inc., is a major banking institution headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with deep roots in the Carolinas region.[48] This local alignment strengthens its sponsorship of the Truist Championship, a PGA Tour Signature Event tied to Charlotte's golfing heritage.[19] In August 2024, Truist announced a seven-year title sponsorship agreement for the tournament, effective starting with the 2025 edition and running through at least 2031.[49] The deal, estimated at over $150 million, replaces the prior Wells Fargo sponsorship and emphasizes Truist's purpose of inspiring better lives and communities through golf.[50] It highlights commitments to community banking and financial education initiatives, aiming to promote financial well-being in the regions hosting the event.[19] As title sponsor, Truist's branding is integrated across the tournament, including its logo on scoreboards, course signage, and digital promotions, as well as in the official event name and merchandise.[51] This visibility extends to fan experiences and broadcast elements, enhancing brand exposure during the high-profile Signature Event.[52] The partnership includes significant charitable commitments, building on the tournament's history of raising over $36 million in donations for local causes from 2003 through 2024, with the 2025 edition generating an estimated $2.5 million in charitable impact for Greater Philadelphia organizations.[3][53][54] Truist pledges donations and support for community programs, such as the newly launched "Birdies for Better" initiative, which ties birdies during play to contributions for local nonprofits starting in late 2025, alongside monthly "Truist Tuesday" events promoting small businesses and regional charities.[55] These efforts aim to generate an estimated $2.5 million in annual charitable impact, prioritizing education, health, and economic development in Charlotte and surrounding areas.[56]Past sponsors
The Wachovia Championship, held from 2003 to 2008, marked the debut of a major PGA Tour event at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Wachovia Bank providing significant initial investment to establish its prominence. The bank committed to a substantial purse of $5.6 million in its inaugural year, positioning the tournament among the richer stops on the tour and attracting top players like David Toms, who won the first edition. Wachovia's sponsorship emphasized community engagement, supporting local charity events through the tournament's charitable arm, which laid the foundation for ongoing philanthropic efforts benefiting education and youth programs in the region.[57] Following Wachovia's acquisition by Wells Fargo in 2008, the tournament operated as the sponsorless Quail Hollow Championship in 2009 and 2010 before rebranding as the Wells Fargo Championship from 2011 to 2024. Wells Fargo assumed the title sponsorship post-acquisition, enhancing the event's global visibility by expanding international television coverage, which reached audiences across Europe, Africa, and Asia via high-definition broadcasts on multiple channels. The bank also introduced sustainability initiatives, such as a $300,000 donation in 2023 to launch an e-bike program for low-income residents in Charlotte, promoting eco-friendly transportation and aligning with broader corporate environmental goals.[14][58] Sponsor contributions drove notable purse escalations, growing from $5.6 million in 2003 to $20 million by 2024 as the event ascended to Signature Event status, alongside marketing tie-ins that integrated Wells Fargo's branding into fan experiences, such as on-site financial education booths and digital promotions. These investments not only boosted player purses— with winners earning up to $3.6 million by 2024—but also amplified the tournament's economic impact on Charlotte, generating millions in local revenue. Over the full sponsorship era, the event raised more than $36 million for charities, including support for Teach for America and community foundations.[59][60][61] Wells Fargo's decision to withdraw after 2024 stemmed from a corporate strategy to curtail sports sponsorship expenditures amid rising costs for elevated events and ongoing restructuring efforts, declining to match the PGA Tour's demands for funding the $20 million purse. Despite the exit, the sponsors' legacies endure in elevating the tournament's prestige, transforming it from a regional stop into a premier international showcase that consistently drew elite fields and contributed to the PGA Tour's growth in viewership and charitable impact.[62][63]Winners
Single winners
The Truist Championship, formerly known as the Wells Fargo Championship, has seen numerous golfers claim victory just once since its inception in 2003. These single-time winners represent a diverse array of talents, from established stars to emerging players, each securing a sole triumph in the event's history. Excluding repeat champions such as Rory McIlroy, who has won multiple times, the following table chronicles these one-time victors chronologically, including their total scores, performance relative to par, and margins of victory.[64]| Year | Winner | Score | To Par | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | David Toms | 278 | -10 | 2 strokes |
| 2004 | Joey Sindelar | 277 | -11 | Playoff |
| 2005 | Vijay Singh | 276 | -12 | Playoff |
| 2006 | Jim Furyk | 276 | -12 | Playoff |
| 2007 | Tiger Woods | 275 | -13 | 2 strokes |
| 2008 | Anthony Kim | 272 | -16 | 5 strokes |
| 2009 | Sean O'Hair | 277 | -11 | 1 stroke |
| 2011 | Lucas Glover | 273 | -15 | Playoff |
| 2012 | Rickie Fowler | 274 | -14 | Playoff |
| 2013 | Derek Ernst | 280 | -8 | Playoff |
| 2014 | J. B. Holmes | 274 | -14 | 1 stroke |
| 2016 | James Hahn | 279 | -9 | Playoff |
| 2017 | Brian Harman | 278 | -10 | 1 stroke |
| 2018 | Jason Day | 272 | -12 | 2 strokes |
| 2023 | Wyndham Clark | 265 | -19 | 4 strokes |
| 2025 | Sepp Straka | 264 | -16 | 2 strokes |