By Cameron Lee
May 3, 2026
The Truist Championship returns to Charlotte this week after a one-year hiatus, following Quail Hollow Club hosting the PGA Championship in 2025. Charlotte’s signature golf event will also mark Rory McIlroy’s first start since winning back-to-back Masters titles last month. A four-time tournament winner (2010, 2015, 2021, 2024), McIlroy returns as the clear favorite and headliner.
Serving as a precursor to the season’s second major, the Truist Championship will showcase many of the world’s top golfers, though Scottie Scheffler — who won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow last year — is opting to rest ahead of next week’s major.
As one of the PGA Tour’s eight signature events, featuring a $20 million purse, the stakes are high not only for the players competing but also for several local businesses and nonprofit organizations involved with the tournament.
This year also brings new fan experience additions, along with a star-studded Wednesday Pro-Am featuring Charlotte native NFL quarterback and Myers Park graduate Drake Maye, as well as several Panthers legends.
If you’re heading to the Truist Championship this week (May 6-10), here’s everything you need to know:
Golfers to Watch:
For its 23rd year and 20th at Quail Hollow, the tournament will feature seven past winners. In addition to McIlroy and defending champion Sepp Straka, the field includes the only other multiple-time winner, Max Homa (2019, 2022), along with Jason Day (2018), Brian Harman (2017), Rickie Fowler (2012), and Lucas Glover (2011).
Of the field of 70-plus golfers, the week will feature eight of the top 10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, including Rory McIlroy (No. 2), Matt Fitzpatrick (No. 3), Cameron Young (No. 4), Justin Rose (No. 5), Collin Morikawa (No. 6), Tommy Fleetwood (No. 7), Xander Schauffele (No. 9), and J.J. Spaun (No. 10). Schauffele, a two-time major champion (PGA Championship and The Open Championship in 2024) and runner-up at Quail Hollow in both 2023 and 2024, joins McIlroy as one of the favorites heading into the tournament.
The week will also feature a strong contingent of golfers with Carolina ties, including Cameron Young, a Wake Forest graduate who won the 2026 Players Championship in March and finished tied for third at the Masters this year. Tour veteran Lucas Glover, a South Carolina native and Clemson graduate, is a major champion (U.S. Open, 2009) and also won this event in 2011. Hickory, North Carolina native J.T. Poston, a Western Carolina University graduate, was tied for third heading into Sunday at last year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, and the field also includes two former Tar Heels, Ryan Gerard and Ben Griffin, along with Duke graduate Alex Smalley, and Wake Forest native Akshay Bhatia.
Star-Studded NFL lineup for Pro-Am and Celeb-Am
In addition to Drake Maye playing in Wednesday’s Pro-Am, several Panthers legends and former players will also be teeing it up, including recent Hall of Fame inductee Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith Sr., Muhsin Muhammad, Thomas Davis Sr., Jonathan Stewart, Mike Rucker, Wesley Walls, Charles Johnson, Mike Tolbert, Tre Boston, and Roman Harper.
The Pro-Am marks the first day open to the public and will benefit the 24 Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides cancer support and navigation services for patients and families, best known for its signature “24 Hours of Booty” bike ride around Myers Park.
Food & Drink
Multiple Charlotte-area and regional favorites will be serving up signature dishes throughout the grounds at The Truist Championship this year, including:
- Sabor Latin Street Grill: Empanadas, churros, and chips with queso in the South End fan zone between the 10th green and 13th fairway.
- The Cowfish: All-natural Brasstown Beef sliders served on King’s Hawaiian rolls with Carolina Kettle Chips near the 18th fairway.
- Inizio Pizza Napoletana: Neapolitan-style pizzas in the Green Mile Courtyard between the 16th and 18th fairways.
- Noble Smoke: Hickory-smoked barbecue in the South End fan zone between the 10th green and 13th fairway.
- Two Scoops Creamery: Exclusive Truist Championship flavor Purple ParFection (purple ice cream with marshmallow fluff and chocolate-covered pretzels), available in the Park fan zone between the 1st and 9th fairways and the South End fan zone between the 10th green and 13th fairway.
- Night Swim Coffee: Complimentary craft coffee for PGA Tour Pass app members, located between the driving range and the main entrance.
- Piedmont Pennies: The North Carolina-based, oven-baked cheese cracker company will be serving its signature snacks at concession stands throughout the course.
The Truist Championship will also feature a variety of fan-focused food and beverage experiences across the course. Cutwater Cocktail Bar will offer a two-story venue serving ready-to-drink cocktails with relaxed seating and views near the 7th green and 2nd tee. Tito’s Golf Club features putting contests, lounge seating, giveaways, and the signature Carolina Crown Transfusion cocktail, located between the 13th green and the South End fan zone. Blackstone Griddles at the Turn will serve made-to-order items like pimento cheese smashburgers, cheesesteaks, pork tacos, and Carolina chili dogs in the South End fan zone between the 10th green and 13th fairway. In the Green Mile Courtyard, fans can find elevated fare such as French dip sandwiches, turkey avocado sandwiches, BBQ chopped salad, and pretzels.
Fan Zones and Activations:
Throughout the week, fans will have access to a wide range of interactive activations and themed fan zones designed to bring the energy of the city into the tournament experience. From golf simulations and live entertainment to giveaways, photo ops, art, and food and beverage offerings, each area across the course offers a different way to engage with the event beyond the ropes.
New Charlotte-themed Fan Zones:
The Park (1st Fairway)
- Virtual golf challenge and Glambot experience.
- Live golf-themed art by Matt Moore.
- Kids’ Zone featuring interactive, hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
- Family-friendly activities, games, and giveaways throughout the week.
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South End (13th Fairway)
- The “Queen’s Lounge” celebrating Mother’s Day with complimentary manicures, photo ops, and “fun surprises.”
- Content Creator Space featuring live filming and fan participation.
- Photo op stations with social sharing encouraged (#Truist #TruistChampionship).
- Rotating entertainment and interactive brand activations.
Green Mile Courtyard presented by Diamonds Direct (16th-18th Fairways)
- Premium food and beverage offerings including the Green Mile French Dip, turkey avocado sandwiches, BBQ chopped salads, and warm pretzels.
- Diamonds Direct giveaways and on-site activations.
- Central gathering space along the famed closing stretch.
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Activations
- FAGE Yogurt Sampling: Complimentary samples from the Official Yogurt of the PGA Tour.
- Skechers Pop-Up Shop: Retail experience with direct-to-home footwear shipping.
- ZYRTEC Pollen Putt-Putt: Mini golf activation with swag giveaways, and info on allergy relief.
- HendrickCars.com Grandstands (Holes 2, 7, 17): Premium viewing areas featuring vehicle displays and some of the best sightlines on the course.
- Technics Sound Deck (13th Green): Audio and viewing experiences allow fans to listen in on select player and caddie conversations, plus product demos and giveaways.
- theScore BET Interactive Zones (17th green and 18th fairway): Games, rewards, and prize-based fan engagement experiences.
- Knockaround Jumbo Shades (2nd Green / 3rd Tee): Oversized sunglasses photo activation with social media sweepstakes.
- Supergoop! SPF Re-Application Station: On-course sunscreen sampling and SPF refresh station for fans throughout the day.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Truist Championship
The final round of the Truist Championship will be on Mother’s Day this year and will feature multiple tributes and special activations in celebration. Fans are encouraged to wear purple on Sunday, while the Truist Fan Zone in South End will offer complimentary manicures and photo opportunities for moms. Upon entering through the main gate, Champ the Retriever — the younger brother of the late Ripken the Bat Dog, and the official bat dog for the Durham Bulls and kicking tee retriever for NC State football — will be on hand distributing Mother’s Day flowers and commemorative pins.
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The PGA Tour Fan Shop
Located just inside the main entrance at Quail Hollow, the PGA Tour Fan Shop has been completely redesigned for 2026, offering an updated retail experience with a refreshed layout and custom fixtures. Fans can shop official apparel and gear from major brands such as Under Armour, FootJoy, and Puma, including hats, polos, and collectibles, along with local favorites 704 Shop and Girl Tribe. This year’s selection also features exclusive tournament merchandise and curated collections from Sun Day Red, ’47 Brand, Good Good, Breezy, and Elsworth & Ivey.
Parking
Attendees will have access to three main parking locations, each providing complimentary shuttle service to the tournament’s main entrance. You can purchase parking passes here.
- SouthPark Mall (Purple Lot): 4400 Sharon Road (open Wednesday-Sunday)
- Ballantyne Corporate Place (Black Lot): 11215 Rushmore Dr. (open Thursday-Sunday)
- Hedgemore Plaza (Green Lot): 4701 Hedgemore Dr. (open Thursday-Sunday)
Alternative Transportation
Fans attending the Truist Championship have several alternative transportation options available, including rideshare, public transit, shuttles, and bike parking to help streamline arrival and departure from Quail Hollow.
- Rideshare: The recommended option for convenience, you can enter “Truist Championship” as your destination, and the drop-off and pick-up are located at the main shuttle depot near the entrance on Gleneagles Road.
- Convention Center Uptown Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle service will be provided for ticket holders from the Charlotte Convention Center (E. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd) to Quail Hollow, operating round-trip for easy access between Uptown and the course.
- CATS LYNX Blue Line: Light rail access will be available Thursday through Sunday at Sharon Road West Station, where a shuttle service will transport fans to the main entrance.
- Bike Parking: Complimentary bike parking is available across Gleneagles Road from the main entrance.
Entry, Payments & Bag Policy
- Cashless event: All payments throughout the tournament will be digital and contactless.
- Bag check: Available only at the main entrance.
- Allowed bags: Opaque bags 6x6x6 inches or smaller, or clear bags up to 12x6x12 inches.
- Food policy: Fans may bring food in a 1-gallon clear plastic bag.
- Family items allowed: Strollers and diaper bags are permitted.
- Drink containers: Reusable plastic or metal cups up to 32 oz allowed if empty upon entry.
- Not permitted: Memorabilia items such as pin flags, photos, trading cards, golf balls, and similar sports collectibles are prohibited.
For information on tickets and everything else you need to know about the Truist Championship happening May 6-10, check out the official website, Instagram, and Facbook page.
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