The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is one of the PGA Tour’s most storied events, dating back to 1944. Named after legendary Texas golf icon Byron Nelson, the tournament has become a cornerstone of the Dallas-Fort Worth sports scene, blending championship tradition with a vibrant community atmosphere.
Played at the spectacular TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, the event features a full field of 156 PGA Tour professionals competing on a layout that consistently produces dramatic final rounds and record-low scoring. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, TPC Craig Ranch offers generous fairways, risk-reward opportunities, and greens that reward aggressive play.
As a premier stop on the PGA Tour’s spring schedule, The CJ Cup Byron Nelson provides a critical platform for players to build momentum ahead of the season’s major championships, all while honoring the legacy of one of golf’s greatest champions.
⛳ TPC Craig Ranch Course Overview
TPC Craig Ranch offers a dynamic test for PGA Tour professionals — wide fairways that encourage aggressive play, but challenging green complexes and water hazards that demand precision. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course is known for its birdie-fest potential and dramatic closing stretch.
Quick Course Overview
Opened in 2004 and a PGA Tour host since 2021, TPC Craig Ranch blends modern tournament design with Texas-style contours. The layout encourages risk-reward decisions and rewards players who can capitalize on par-5 scoring opportunities.
Yardage / Par
- Par: 72
- Yardage: ~7,468 yards
Course Type / Conditions
- Tom Weiskopf design (2004)
- Bentgrass greens, Zoysia fairways
- Water comes into play on several key holes
- Strategic bunkering and large undulating greens
What Matters Most
- Scoring on Par-5s — four par-5s provide birdie and eagle opportunities
- Approach proximity — holding greens and creating birdie looks
- Driving accuracy — avoiding water and fairway bunkers
- Clutch putting — the winner often ranks high in strokes gained putting
Key Holes / Momentum Stretch
- Par-5 14th — reachable in two with water guarding the green
- Par-4 16th — a short, drivable risk-reward par-4
- Par-4 18th — dramatic finishing hole with water along the left side
Winning Formula
- Capitalize on the four par-5s (often played under par)
- Stay aggressive on the drivable par-4 16th
- Avoid big numbers on the challenging closing stretch
- Hot putter on fast bentgrass surfaces
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
2026 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tournament Details
Date: April 30 - May 3, 2026
Location: TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX
Field: 156 PGA Tour professionals
Key Texas 'Spring Swing' event on PGA Tour schedule.
Tournament HighlightsThe CJ Cup Byron Nelson History (1944 - Present)
2026 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Upcoming Event
TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX
Full field of 156 PGA Tour players
$9.5 million purse
FedExCup points and Masters invitation
2025 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Recent Champion
TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX
Part of PGA Tour's Texas swing
First PGA Tour victory for Pendrith
500 FedExCup points to winner
2020s CJ Cup Byron Nelson
TPC Craig Ranch Era
Modern Champions
Jason Day won in 2023
K.H. Lee won back-to-back (2021-22)
TPC Craig Ranch redesigned for modern scoring
2010s Byron Nelson
Four Seasons / Trinity Forest
Multiple Venues
Kang Sung-hoon won in 2019
Jason Day claimed title in 2015
Jordan Spieth nearly won as amateur (2010)
2000s Byron Nelson
Tournament Growth
TPC Las Colinas / Cottonwood Valley
Vijay Singh won in 2003
Sergio García champion in 2004
Adam Scott claimed title in 2008
Tournament Format
Full-Field Event
156 Players Compete
72-hole stroke play format
Top 65 and ties make the cut
Winner receives Masters invitation
Historic Venue
TPC Craig Ranch
Tom Weiskopf Design
Host venue since 2021
Course Details:
Par 72, 7,468 yards
Charitable Impact
Momentous Institute & Salesmanship Club
Youth & Family Services
Over $200 million raised for youth programs
Supports Momentous Institute and local charities
Tournament founded in charitable spirit by Byron Nelson
Historic Champions
Legendary Winners
Golf Greats
Tom Watson won three times
Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus champions
Byron Nelson himself won the inaugural 1944 event
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Legacy
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has established an extraordinary legacy as one of the PGA Tour's most beloved and charitable tournaments since its inception in 1944. Originally known as the Dallas Open, the tournament evolved into the Byron Nelson Classic, honoring the legendary Texan who won 52 PGA Tour events. Today, it stands as a premier event that combines world-class competition with significant philanthropic impact.
The tournament's unique position as a key spring event on the PGA Tour schedule creates special opportunities for players to build momentum heading into the major championship season. With a $9.5 million purse and 500 FedExCup points awarded to the champion, The CJ Cup Byron Nelson offers both competitive prestige and meaningful charitable impact, having raised over $200 million for youth and family services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Beyond the competition, The CJ Cup Byron Nelson's deep commitment to charitable giving represents one of professional golf's most impactful traditions. Since its founding, the Salesmanship Club of Dallas has organized the tournament, channeling proceeds to the Momentous Institute and other local programs that support children and families. This charitable mission, combined with world-class golf, creates a powerful platform for positive change.
As the tournament continues to thrive at TPC Craig Ranch, it maintains its core identity as both a competitive showcase and a force for good in the community. The event's rich history, combined with its spectacular North Texas setting and meaningful charitable impact, has made The CJ Cup Byron Nelson a beloved institution that perfectly captures golf's ability to blend elite competition with community service and philanthropic purpose.