FREE 05/22 PGA Cheat Sheet: Charles Schwab Challenge DFS Plays

The Charles Schwab Challenge kicks off this week at Colonial Country Club with a field of 135 players, including Scottie Scheffler as the clear favorite at $13,700. With an average salary around $7,116 and only two players expected to be highly owned (20%+), roster construction will be tricky. The course demands accuracy off the tee and strong approach play, so targeting golfers with solid course history and good strokes gained stats in those areas is key. There aren’t any standout value plays hitting 12x value or better with a 50%+ cut rate, so expect to lean on mid-range options and carefully balance your lineup around Scheffler or other top contenders like Tommy Fleetwood and Jordan Spieth.

Colonial’s recent restoration has preserved its challenging nature, favoring precision over power despite its length. The greens are receptive but not overly difficult, which means putting won’t be as critical as driving accuracy and approach shots from 125-200 yards. Defending champ Davis Riley is worth considering given his course success and recent form. With about half the field expected to make the cut, finding reliable mid-tier players who can navigate Colonial’s narrow fairways will separate winning lineups from the rest. Let’s dive into our top plays for this slate.

Premium Plays ($10,000+)

Top Play: Scottie Scheffler ($13,700)

Scottie Scheffler’s recent form and course history make him a strong play at the Charles Schwab Challenge. He’s coming off a major win at the PGA Championship and dominated last month at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, showing he’s in peak form on similar setups. His 83.7% make-cut rate provides solid floor, and his ball-striking suits Colonial’s firm, tree-lined layout where accuracy off the tee and approach shots into tricky greens matter most.

Despite his high ownership at 46.5%, that chalk looks justified given his value (6.32x) and upside here. Scheffler ranks well in both cash equity and overall tournament rank, supporting his reliability in all formats. His ability to handle pressure and history of strong performances in Texas give him an edge over other top-priced options, making him a cornerstone pick rather than just a popular one.

Other Premium Options

• Tommy Fleetwood ($10,000, MakeCut: 68.3%, Own: 16.3%)

Mid-Range Plays ($8,000-$9,999)

Top Play: Jordan Spieth ($9,800)

Jordan Spieth’s profile at the Charles Schwab Challenge remains solid despite a recent missed cut at the PGA Championship. His 72.5% make-cut rate and history of success here, including a win in 2016, suggest he has a reliable floor. Spieth’s ball-striking and scrambling have been inconsistent lately, but his ability to score around Colonial still makes him relevant, especially with a value of 7.37x at $9,800.

His ownership is elevated at nearly 15%, which reflects his name recognition and course history. While that level of rostership reduces differentiation, it’s understandable given his strong cash rank (12th) and decent form overall. For DFS lineups targeting safe floors with upside on this course, Spieth is a justified chalk play despite some recent struggles.

Other Mid-Range Options

• Daniel Berger ($9,900, MakeCut: 68.4%, Own: 21.6%)
• Hideki Matsuyama ($9,600, MakeCut: 73.2%, Own: 11.1%)

Value Plays ($7,000-$7,999)

First Value Play: Ryan Gerard ($7,900)

Ryan Gerard’s recent form suggests he’s carrying solid momentum into the Charles Schwab Challenge. His top-10 at the PGA Championship, where he ranked seventh in both SG: Off-the-Tee and SG: Approach, shows he can handle challenging setups and maintain ball-striking consistency. Colonial Country Club typically rewards accuracy and approach play, which fits well with Gerard’s strengths. His 62.9% make-cut rate provides a decent floor, especially given his ability to scramble when needed, even if that area showed some inconsistency recently.

At $7,900, Gerard offers strong value with an 8.15x return relative to salary and ranks 10th in tournament projections, making him a reliable core option for DFS lineups. His ownership is elevated at 13.4%, but considering his recent major top-10 and course fit as a debutant at Colonial, the chalk looks justified here. He presents less risk than many mid-tier options while still offering upside for cash games and tournaments alike.

Second Value Play: Bud Cauley ($7,800)

Bud Cauley offers solid value at $7,800 for the Charles Schwab Challenge, backed by a 61.5% make-cut rate and strong cash game results, ranking third in cash finishes this season. His last trip to Colonial in 2020 resulted in a T29, showing some course comfort despite limited recent starts here. Cauley’s game fits well with Colonial’s demands—accurate ball-striking and steady approach play help him avoid big numbers, which is crucial on this challenging layout.

His projected ownership sits slightly above field average at just over 10%, reflecting respect for his consistency without pushing him into chalk territory. Cauley’s value of 8.03x and optimal lineup percentage near 8.3% suggest he’s a viable option for balanced lineups where you want dependable scoring without spending up top. While his recent form includes some struggles at majors, his ability to climb leaderboards late—as seen with a final round 64 at RBC Heritage—adds to his appeal here.

Other Value Options

• Eric Cole ($7,300, MakeCut: 56.2%, Own: 9.8%)
• Alex Smalley ($7,700, MakeCut: 55.6%, Own: 8.8%)

Good luck! Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!