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The Ally Challenge blends competitive senior golf with concerts, family activities, charity initiatives and fan experiences. That combination has helped The Ally Challenge become more than a regular stop on the PGA TOUR Champions calendar. The 2026 schedule adds another major attraction in country music star Keith Urban, while Stewart Cink arrives as the two-time defending champion.
The Ally Challenge 2026: Tournament Details at a Glance
| Tournament Detail | 2026 Information |
| Tournament | The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren |
| Tour | PGA TOUR Champions |
| Tournament Week | August 24–30, 2026 |
| Competitive Rounds | August 28–30, 2026 |
| Venue | Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club |
| Location | Grand Blanc, Michigan |
| Format | 54-hole stroke play |
| Field | PGA TOUR Champions professionals |
| Purse | $2.2 million |
| Defending Champion | Stewart Cink |
The distinction between tournament week and competition matters. Spectators can attend from Thursday, August 27, through Sunday, August 30, while the official PGA TOUR Champions competition begins Friday. The tournament’s own materials confirm that spectator access starts Thursday, with tickets beginning at $15.
Full Schedule for The Ally Challenge 2026
The schedule stretches beyond the three competitive rounds. Early-week activities lead into four public days, giving the event a festival-like atmosphere before the championship reaches its conclusion Sunday.
Monday Through Wednesday: Tournament Week Activities
Monday through Wednesday fall within the official tournament week, but they do not represent the three rounds of the PGA TOUR Champions event. These days focus on tournament preparation, associated activities and professional events surrounding the competition.
The main public schedule begins Thursday. Exact times for individual ancillary events can change, so the official tournament calendar remains the best reference for last-minute adjustments.
Thursday, August 27: Family Fun Night
Thursday marks the first major public day at Warwick Hills. Family Fun Night gives the event a community-focused opening, with youth activities, food, golf-related attractions and entertainment.
The Thursday program offers a different experience from the competitive rounds. Families can spend time around the tournament grounds without the pressure of following a full day of professional golf. For younger fans, the activities also provide an introduction to golf in a much more casual setting.
Friday, August 28: First Round and The Concert @17
Friday brings the first official round of The Ally Challenge. Players begin their pursuit of the $2.2 million purse, while spectators can follow groups around Warwick Hills and settle into viewing areas around the course.
The evening then shifts toward music. The fifth annual Concert @17, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, will feature The Wildflowers, a touring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. The performance takes place Friday evening after the first round at the tournament’s famed 17th hole.
That setup makes Friday particularly attractive for fans who want both professional golf and live entertainment without waiting for the headline Saturday concert.
Saturday, August 29: Second Round, Million Dollar Shot and Keith Urban
Saturday stands out as the busiest day on the 2026 calendar. The second round takes place during the day, followed by the Million Dollar Shot and a major evening concert.
The Million Dollar Shot will take place after the completion of the second round. Three amateurs receive the opportunity to attempt the shot, with each participant receiving one attempt. The contest then leads into the evening entertainment program.
Keith Urban headlines the Ally Community Concert on Saturday night. The four-time Grammy Award winner will perform on the driving range at Warwick Hills following the second round. Nashville Yacht Club Band will open the musical program, while the tournament’s popular drone show will also return.
Sunday, August 30: Final Round and Championship
Sunday brings the decisive final round. After 54 holes, the player with the lowest score takes the championship and the $330,000 first-place prize from the $2.2 million purse. PGA TOUR’s official tournament listing confirms both figures.
The final round also provides the clearest picture of the tournament’s leaderboard. Players competing near the top will be chasing not only the title but valuable Charles Schwab Cup points as the regular season moves toward the playoffs.
Tee Times, Pairings and the 2026 Playing Schedule
Exact tee times remain one of the most important pieces of information for tournament-day planning. PGA TOUR Champions normally divides the field into groups, with players going out in waves across the course. The opening rounds can use both the first and 10th tees to move the field efficiently through the course.
The tournament’s current official field page states that pairings have not yet been uploaded. The page lists a field snapshot dated July 26, 2026, including Michael Block, Stewart Cink and Dan Rooney.
That means published player names should not automatically be treated as the final field. Withdrawals and late additions can change the lineup before competition begins.
Once official pairings appear, they will provide the clearest way to identify individual starting times. Fans planning around a particular player should check those pairings shortly before the relevant round rather than relying on preliminary schedules.
Who is playing at the Ally Challenge 2026?
The announced field already includes several recognizable names, with Stewart Cink serving as the headline player because of his recent success at Warwick Hills. Michael Block also appears on the tournament’s current field page, while Dan Rooney is among the listed competitors.
The final field should remain the reference point because PGA TOUR Champions fields can change before the opening round. Cink’s presence, however, gives the 2026 event an especially compelling storyline.
Stewart Cink’s Bid for a Third Straight Title
Stewart Cink enters The Ally Challenge with an opportunity to accomplish something the tournament has never seen: win three consecutive editions.
Cink won at Warwick Hills in 2024 with a 17-under total of 199 and returned in 2025 to win again at 15 under, finishing with a 201. PGA TOUR’s historical results confirm those back-to-back victories.
His 2026 season has made the storyline even stronger. PGA TOUR recently identified Cink as the Charles Schwab Cup leader and noted that he had won the first two majors of the season before finishing runner-up at the U.S. Senior Open.
A third straight victory would therefore carry significance beyond one tournament. It could strengthen Cink’s position in the season-long points race while adding another chapter to his growing record at Warwick Hills.
Warwick Hills: The Historic Home of the Tournament
Warwick Hills provides The Ally Challenge with a venue that already has deep professional golf roots. The Grand Blanc course previously hosted the Buick Open and has welcomed generations of major professional players.
The current setup measures 7,085 yards and plays to a par of 72.
The course also helps shape the tournament’s spectator identity. Rather than treating every hole as simply a place to watch golf, the event has created concentrated entertainment areas, particularly around the 17th hole.
Why the 17th Hole Matters So Much
The 17th has become one of the defining locations at The Ally Challenge. The Concert @17 uses the area for Friday evening entertainment, while the tournament also places food, fan activities and viewing opportunities nearby.
The hole becomes even more important Saturday because of the Million Dollar Shot. After the second round, selected amateurs get their chance to attempt the shot before the evening’s concert program begins.
That combination turns the 17th into a social hub rather than simply another point on the scorecard.
What Time Does the Ally Challenge Start?
The answer depends on whether “start” refers to spectator activity or competitive golf. Public access begins Thursday, August 27, while the official three-round tournament begins Friday, August 28.
Exact 2026 player tee times have not yet been uploaded on the tournament’s current pairing page.
Fans should therefore avoid relying on unofficial starting-time estimates. Once the pairings become available, they will show which players start from the first and 10th tees and when each group begins.
Arriving early can still make sense even without an exact player time. Parking, shuttle access, security and walking between viewing areas can add time, particularly on Saturday when the concert attracts a larger crowd.
For television viewers, PGA TOUR’s international programming schedule currently lists live coverage windows for all three competitive rounds, with Friday coverage beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern, Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastern on the international feed.
Saturday at The Ally Challenge: Golf, Keith Urban and the Million Dollar Shot
Saturday is positioned as the signature fan day of The Ally Challenge. The second round provides the sporting centerpiece, but the entertainment schedule keeps the grounds active after competitive play ends.
The Million Dollar Shot comes first, with three amateurs receiving one attempt each. The event then transitions into the Ally Community Concert.
Keith Urban will headline the concert on the Warwick Hills driving range. The Nashville Yacht Club Band will open the show, giving the evening a mix of contemporary country and yacht-rock entertainment. The drone show will follow as another major visual attraction.
The combination gives Saturday a broader appeal than a traditional tournament day. Serious golf followers can concentrate on the second round, while music fans can arrive for the concert and still experience the tournament atmosphere.
Tickets, Concert Access and Fan Experience
Ticket pricing makes the 2026 event accessible across several spending levels. The official ticket page currently lists Thursday grounds admission at $15, Friday at $55, Saturday at $90 and Sunday at $45. A four-day grounds package costs $125.
| Ticket Option | Published 2026 Price |
| Thursday | $15 |
| Friday | $55 |
| Saturday | $90 |
| Sunday | $45 |
| Four-Day Grounds | $125 |
| Saturday + Front-of-Stage Access | $190 |
The $90 Saturday ticket includes general admission access to Keith Urban’s Ally Community Concert. The $190 option adds front-of-stage access, which is standing-room only. Children 17 and under receive free grounds access when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Premium hospitality options are also available, including dedicated concert hospitality and spaces around the 17th hole. The tournament’s VIP Deck, for example, offers reserved space, upgraded food, open-bar service and access to the front-of-stage area.
Military members and veterans also receive complimentary admission from Thursday through Sunday, subject to the tournament’s identification requirements. In 2026, complimentary Folds of Honor Friday admission expands to qualifying law enforcement officers and firefighters/EMS personnel.
Charity, Community Programs and the Event’s Wider Impact
Charitable giving remains a central part of The Ally Challenge. Tournament materials state that the event has donated more than $9.6 million since its 2018 inception, supporting organizations and initiatives across the region.
The tournament also uses its visibility to support community programs. Outdrive Hunger connects the event with food-security efforts, while Family Fun Night creates a dedicated space for children and families.
Military and veteran initiatives add another layer to the event’s community focus. The Dow VET Den provides complimentary snacks, water and a viewing area for eligible military guests and veterans.
This combination of golf, entertainment and charitable programming helps explain why the event has developed an identity beyond its competitive field.
Final Thoughts
The Ally Challenge has developed a format that combines professional golf with a wider entertainment and community experience. Saturday stands out as the busiest day, with the second round, Million Dollar Shot, Nashville Yacht Club Band, Keith Urban and the drone show all forming part of the program. Friday also offers a strong combination through the opening round and The Concert @17.
On the competitive side, Stewart Cink’s attempt at a third consecutive title gives the week a clear headline storyline. With a $2.2 million purse and an important place on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, the tournament also carries meaningful implications for the season-long Charles Schwab Cup race.
Exact tee times and final pairings should remain the final authority for individual player schedules. As those details are released, they will complete an already busy week at Warwick Hills.
Key Takeaways
1. The 2026 tournament combines PGA TOUR Champions competition with major entertainment attractions.
2. Stewart Cink enters the week seeking an unprecedented third consecutive tournament victory.
3. Warwick Hills brings decades of professional golf history to the annual event.
4. Competitive golf takes place across three rounds from Friday through Sunday.
5. Saturday offers the strongest combination of golf, live music and fan experiences.
6. Keith Urban headlines the major 2026 concert following Saturday’s second round.
7. The Million Dollar Shot gives selected amateurs a memorable opportunity at Warwick Hills.
8. Ticket prices provide several options for families, casual fans and premium guests.
9. Charitable fundraising remains one of the tournament’s most important long-term priorities.
10. Official tee times and final pairings should guide detailed tournament-day planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ally Challenge concert held?
Yes. The main 2026 Ally Community Concert featuring Keith Urban will be held on the driving range at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan, following Saturday’s second round. The Friday Concert @17 takes place at the tournament’s famed 17th hole. Both concerts require valid tournament admission for entry.
What is the payout for the Ally Challenge?
Yes. The 2026 The Ally Challenge carries a $2.2 million total purse, with $330,000 going to the champion. PGA TOUR lists those figures alongside the official August 28–30 tournament dates. The purse gives players a significant financial incentive while the event also contributes to the broader Charles Schwab Cup season-long competition.
Who is performing at the Ally Challenge 2026?
Yes. Keith Urban will headline the 2026 Ally Community Concert on Saturday, August 29, following the second round. Nashville Yacht Club Band will serve as the opening act. Friday’s Concert @17 will feature The Wildflowers, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. A drone show will also form part of Saturday evening’s entertainment.
How much do concert tickets for the Ally Challenge 2026 cost?
Yes. Saturday grounds tickets cost $90 and include general admission access to Keith Urban’s Ally Community Concert. A Saturday ticket with Front of Stage access costs $190. The front-of-stage section is standing room only. Children 17 and under receive free grounds access with a ticketed adult, while premium hospitality options are available separately.
