Scheffler Defends CJ Cup Title as Course Difficulty Rises
World number one Scottie Scheffler seeks to retain his crown at the $10.3 million event, while Brooks Koepka looks to secure his future in signature tournaments.
The PGA Tour returns to TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, for the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson from May 21 to 24. This marks the sixth consecutive year the tournament has been held at the Tom Weiskopf-designed venue. The event, which carries a $10.3 million purse, serves as a critical lead-up to the U.S. Open following the conclusion of the PGA Championship.
World number one Scottie Scheffler enters the field as the defending champion, having won last season by eight strokes at 31 under par. He arrives with momentum after finishing inside the top 15 at the recent PGA Championship, where he held a share of the first-round lead. However, his putting form required significant attention, as he recorded a career-high 125 putts over four days at Aronimink.
Course architect Lanny Wadkins has implemented substantial modifications to increase the challenge for the field. Changes include redesigned green complexes, improved bunkers, and the laying of new grass throughout the course. These adjustments are intended to test the players more adequately, with officials targeting a winning score of 15 under par, a significant shift from the historical norm of scores in the 25-under range at this venue.
The field features a mix of local talent and high-profile competitors. Dallas residents Jordan Spieth, Si Woo Kim, and Tom Kim are among the notable participants. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka is also in contention, seeking his first win on the PGA Tour in his return and aiming to secure a spot in the two remaining signature events on the calendar.
Despite the increased difficulty, the event retains its status as a key stop on the tour. With only two of the top 20 players in the Official World Golf Rankings in the field, the competition remains open. SportsLine is currently promoting a predictive model that has reportedly nailed 17 golf majors, including the past five Masters, to assist fans in navigating the tournament outcomes.
