The PGA Tour arrives in Texas this week for the inaugural Austin Championship, a new event that brings a fresh field to the Fazio Canyons Course. Rising star Jackson Koivun, just 21 years old, headlines the group at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. The tournament runs from 12-15 November and offers a total prize fund of $6 million. A first-place check of $1.08 million awaits the winner of the 72-hole competition. This event replaces the previous Good Good title sponsorship after Compliance Solutions stepped in as the new presenter.
Koivun is targeting his second career PGA Tour title as he joins a competitive field. According to GolfMagic, the young golfer is set to compete with Austin Smotherman and Tommy Morrison, a former University of Texas standout, during the first two rounds. On Thursday, this group will begin play from the 10th hole at 12:13 local time. While Smotherman aims to continue his strong autumn performance, Koivun attracts focus as the Tour visits this new tournament venue for the first time.
Thursday and Friday Tee Time Structure
A two-tee start characterizes the opening round, as groups will commence from both the 10th and first holes. GolfMagic indicated that the morning wave is set to begin between 07:00 and 08:39 local time on Thursday. Afternoon groups are set to go out between 11:40 and 13:19 local time. The second round on Friday follows the same timetable, though pairings and start times will adjust based on the opening day leaderboard. Specific groups include Nick Hardy, Mac Meissner, and Takumi Kanaya teeing off at 07:00 CST. Erik van Rooyen, C.T. Pan, and Chandler Phillips share the same 07:00 start time.
Other notable early groups feature Blades Brown, Andrew Novak, and Max Homa at 07:33 local time. Billy Horschel, Daniel Berger, and Doug Ghim tee off at 07:44 CST. The late morning wave includes Adam Schenk, Joe Highsmith, and Lucas Glover starting at 07:55. GolfMagic provided the full list for the first two rounds, showing a mix of veterans and rising talent. The afternoon slots begin at 13:00 GMT, which is 07:00 CST.
Field Composition and Tournament Stakes
The field includes a mix of established names and up-and-coming players looking to make an impact on home soil. Texas native Austin Smotherman adds local flavor to the event, while Koivun brings the momentum of a recent title win. The Fazio Canyons Course at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa provides a challenging layout for the 72-hole format. The $6 million purse ensures high stakes for every player in the field.
Compliance Solutions takes over as the title sponsor, marking a significant shift for the event. The withdrawal of Good Good as the previous sponsor led to this new partnership. Players will compete over four days, with the final round set for Sunday, 15 November. The tournament structure allows for a two-tee start on the first two days to manage the field size efficiently.
What to Expect on the Course
Conditions at the Fazio Canyons Course will play a key role in determining the winner. The course design demands precision from players who want to contend for the $1.08 million first prize. Koivun, Smotherman, and Morrison form a high-profile group for the early rounds. Their performance on Thursday will set the tone for the rest of the field. GolfMagic noted that the afternoon groups will tee off later to allow for optimal playing conditions.
The second round on Friday will see adjustments based on how the leaderboard looks after Thursday. Players leading the tournament may move to different times or holes to balance the groups. The event marks the first time the PGA Tour has visited this specific tournament format. Fans in Texas have a chance to see top-tier golf action in November. The schedule remains tight, with play concluding by Sunday evening.
The final round of the Austin Championship is scheduled for Sunday, 15 November.
