(photos by Jessmacka Muhammad)
The 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final event of the PGA TOUR Champions season was exciting. Held November 13–16 at Phoenix Country Club, Phoenix, Az., golfer Stewart Cink won the event, finishing with a total of 264 (-20) becoming the season-long points winner and the champion of the final tournament.
However, throughout the tournament my eyes were pealed on Tim O’Neal who is currently the only Black golfer competing on the PGA Champions Tour. Born in Savannah, Georgia, Tim has established himself on this Senior Tour. By 2025, he had entered his third year on the circuit, marking a remarkable chapter in an already inspiring career. Statistics vary, but sources consistently show Black golfers make up a small minority of PGA Tour players, with figures around 2% being cited.
Tim’s professional journey includes competing on PGA Tour Latinoamérica, which merged with PGA Tour Canada in 2024 to form PGA TOUR Americas—a unified tour featuring 16 events across Latin America, Canada, and the United States. He also spent time on the Web.com Tour and has won seven professional tournaments on four continents, including North America.
In addition, Tim has captured one victory on the Champions Tour on October 20, 2024, at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. He won the tournament in his 50th start on the senior tour by defeating Ricardo Gonzalez by two strokes.
Now at age 53, Tim is widely known for his near misses at PGA Tour Q-School, where he twice fell short of earning his PGA Tour Card by a single stroke. The Jackson State University graduate is a confident player and remains one of the most physically fit players on the Champions Tour, and he is also recognized for his stylish appearance on the course.
While covering the tournament I spent four days following Tim—72 holes of competitive play plus his extensive practice sessions. This access provided a close view of his preparation, interactions with PGA officials, and rapport with his coach and caddie. Tim was gracious, well-liked by players and media alike, and generous with his time.
Tim’s opening-round score of +8 was a tough start, but he handled the challenge with poise. After the final round, he granted me a personal interview, during which he reflected on being the only African American golfer on the Champions Tour. When asked if he was comfortable with that distinction, he smiled and acknowledged both the difficulty of his journey and the pride he takes in it. Speculation has it that Tiger Woods may join the Champions Tour at age 50, but this is yet to be seen.
Tim also shared insights on his fitness routine—strict practice, proper diet, gym work, and disciplined living. He emphasized how expensive professional golf can be, estimating that a new player may need more than $100,000 just to begin. Dedicated to supporting youth and adult golfers, Tim continues to advocate for greater opportunity and access.
Throughout the tournament, fans often asked me if he was Tim’s father or simply a friend. Over days two through four, Tim steadily improved, rebounding from +4 to an excellent -4 finish and delivering stretches of brilliant play, including four consecutive birdies. His commitment was clear: he worked hard before and after each round, reinforcing his belief that practice is his “office.”
ABOUT THE CHARLES SCHWAB CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
The Charles Schwab Cup Championship stands as the culminating event of the PGA TOUR Champions season, bringing together the top-performing senior golfers for one final, high-stakes showdown. As the decisive tournament in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, it determines not only the event champion but also the overall Schwab Cup winner, making it one of the most anticipated competitions in senior professional golf.
Held each November, the championship features a select field of elite players who have excelled throughout the year. The event is traditionally contested over 72 holes, providing a true test of consistency, endurance, and competitive excellence. Fans appreciate the tournament’s intimate setting, where legends of the game showcase their talents in an environment that celebrates sportsmanship, legacy, and precision.
The Charles Schwab Cup Championship has earned a reputation for delivering dramatic finishes, emotional victories, and inspiring performances from some of golf’s most respected veterans. The atmosphere blends competitive intensity with a sense of camaraderie, creating a memorable experience for spectators and players alike.
