Building success on and off the course

When a dedicated young golfer steps up to the first tee at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, time seems to stand still: the hush of anticipation, the smell of fresh dew, the course laid out in front of them. That moment is more than just a round of golf. It’s a chance for a collegiate golfer to start building something great. 

New investors also have their financial futures ahead of them, and just like the golfers on the course have the right clubs, it’s important that they are equipped with the right investing tools and preparation to help them succeed.

The Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational, presented by Charles Schwab, draws top college golf teams from across the country to one of the sport’s most storied venues, where golf legend Ben Hogan won five times. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, as 10 of the top 25 players in the World Amateur Golf Rankings compete. This year’s field boasted powerhouses like Alabama, North Carolina, Auburn—led by superstar Jackson Koivun—and the hometown TCU Horned Frogs. 

Players arrived with high expectations, knowing this stage could be a stepping stone to an NCAA championship run, a surge up the PGA Tour University leaderboards, or a first win on the road to a blossoming professional career.  

The Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational, which awards the winner a spot in the prestigious Charles Schwab Challenge, offers more than just a trophy. They walk away with the door opened to their futures. 

But more than the leaderboard, what defines this event is the preparation, risk management, dedication, and mental toughness it demands. Golfers spend countless hours training, studying the course, and sharpening their mental game. They learn how to pace themselves, make strategic decisions, and stay grounded under pressure. It’s the kind of real-world experience that shapes not just athletes, but people.

That mindset of steady preparation, long-term thinking, and staying calm when things get turbulent echoes the journey young investors take as they start building their financial futures.

Lisa Hunt, Schwab’s Head of International Services, is a golf enthusiast and passionate advocate for financial literacy. “There’s something special about those first steps—whether it’s teeing off on the golf course or opening your first investment account,” she explains. “Both require learning the fundamentals, practicing patience, and building confidence over time. Getting invested is like a great golf swing: it’s not about perfection from day one, but about showing up, putting in the work, and staying committed for the long run. That’s how you set yourself up for success, both on the fairway and in your financial future.” 

Just like a tournament round can offer both challenges and breakthroughs, so can navigating a changing market—a fact that often results in a shared psychology between golf and trading. Success often comes down to preparation, adaptability, and knowing when to be strategic. 

“The Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational is such a natural fit for Schwab to support because it reflects values that are important to Schwab and our clients,” explains Lisa. “It’s about recognizing potential, committing to long-term growth, and showing up prepared—all principles we believe in.”

Winners of the tournament like Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay have gone on to have massively successful golf careers and hold top global rankings. By championing young talent, the tournament fosters aspiring golfers’ careers the same way Schwab nurtures young investors’ financial goals.  

Both the golfer and the investor are making decisions today that shape where they’re headed tomorrow. They’re learning to trust themselves, to seek guidance when needed, and to keep moving forward.

Because futures, whether on the fairway or in finance, aren’t just dreamed. They’re built.