“Own your tomorrow,” the tagline for one of the most famous Fortune 500 companies, Charles Schwab, whose involvement in athletics reaches beyond the golf course.
According to Charles Schwab President Rick Wurster, the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate at Colonial Country Club is a reflection of the company’s core values of inclusion, opportunity and financial literacy.
“Athletics should provide opportunity for everybody to go out there and compete,” Wurster said. “To be able to be in a position now to support the game of golf, and in particular, support women’s golf, is awesome, and I’m so glad we’re involved in this tournament.”
The tournament, which brings together some of the top collegiate women’s golfers in the country, is part of Schwab’s larger commitment to the sport. The company has long been a supporter of both men’s and women’s golf, sponsoring events at both the collegiate and professional levels.
“We want this to be one of the signature things that we do,” Wurster said. “For this to be a special weekend for the women that are playing, and for this to turn into a tournament that everyone looks forward to every year.”
While the focus is on competition, Schwab also integrates its mission of financial literacy into its athletic sponsorships. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals, student-athletes are increasingly managing significant financial opportunities at a young age.
“One of the things that we’re beginning to focus on is NIL,” Wurster said. “We really want to find a way to help the student-athlete and to give them a place where they can come in and talk about their financial situation and learn about investing.”
Wurster, who played college golf himself, understands the discipline and commitment required to balance academics and athletics. He believes that sports build leadership skills that translate beyond the course.
“If you’re able to get up early, stick to a schedule, work really hard and stay focused, all those things that allowed them to be such successful collegiate golfers will serve them incredibly well in life,” he said. “Every golfer is going to make a double bogey or have a horrible hole. The ability to get up after that and have a positive attitude is just a great characteristic that will make a huge difference in their careers.”
Schwab’s involvement in women’s golf reaches further than competition; they look to leveling the playing field. Wurster emphasized the importance of ensuring female golfers have access to high-quality tournaments that match those available to their male counterparts.
“These women are such great golfers, they need to have tournaments that are as good as anybody else’s tournaments, and we’re glad to play that role,” he said. “When we took this tournament on, we said we’re only going to do it if we can make it one of the best women’s golf tournaments in the country, and I think we’re on that track.”
Beyond the competition, Schwab aims to make the event a memorable experience. The players were treated to guest speaker Dottie Pepper, a former LPGA player, and each received a pair of custom cowboy boots, a Texas touch that highlights the tournament’s unique atmosphere.
“We want this to be a really strong field, but also one that makes for an enjoyable week for the players, where they can compete hard and also have a great time,” Wurster said.
As women’s sports continue to gain traction, events like the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate help push the momentum forward. With a commitment to competition, financial literacy and a first-class experience for the athletes, Schwab aims to set a new standard in women’s collegiate golf.
