Scottie Scheffler arrives at this week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson as the defending champion after producing one of the most dominant performances last year. The World No. 1 cruised to an eight-shot victory at TPC Craig Ranch, finishing at 31-under-par and matching the PGA Tour‘s 72-hole scoring record.
This year, he might have an even better scoring record in the event after the PGA Tour’s announcement. They confirmed that preferred lies will be in effect for Round 2 of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The decision allows players to lift, clean and place their golf ball within a designated area in closely mown parts of the course.
It was introduced because of recent bad weather conditions that have left fairways saturated and created inconsistent playing surfaces.
Preferred lies can significantly affect scoring. Players gain cleaner contact from the fairway and greater control over spin rates into receptive greens. TPC Craig Ranch is already known for producing low scores. The ruling could further encourage aggressive play during the opening round, with players attacking pins early.
Scottie Scheffler Faces New-Look Course After Major Renovation Project
GettyScottie Scheffler poses with the winner’s trophy after the final round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
While Scheffler returns to familiar surroundings, TPC Craig Ranch itself has undergone substantial changes since his victory.
Club owner Invited Clubs completed a $25 million renovation project immediately after last year’s tournament. World Golf Hall of Fame member Lanny Wadkins led the redesign, which touched virtually every aspect of the property, from tee boxes and bunkers to green complexes.
David Pillsbury, CEO of Invited Clubs, explained the objective behind the overhaul.
“We needed someone who was going to deliver a golf course that is really unique in Texas,” Pillsbury said. “Where, when you leave, you go, ‘Wow, I’m going to remember that.'”
Wadkins also emphasized balancing tournament demands with member experience.
“We’re proud of the results and think the Tour players will respond like the members have,” Wadkins said.
Players arriving from the demanding setup at last week’s PGA Championship expect a very different challenge. Si Woo Kim welcomed the return to Texas after what he described as a difficult major championship test.
“It was a really tough week last week,” Kim said. “Happy to be back here, pretty much home course.”
Scottie Scheffler Returns to Defend Historic Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
GettyScottie Scheffler hits a tee shot on the 15th hole before THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Scheffler enters the week seeking his second CJ Cup Byron Nelson title and the 21st PGA Tour victory of his career. Despite falling short at last week’s PGA Championship, he remains the overwhelming favorite in Texas.
Speaking before the tournament, Scheffler reflected on last year’s breakthrough week at his hometown event.
“Definitely good memories from last year,” Scheffler said. “I had a really nice week. I was fortunate to be the winner at the end of the week.”
Scheffler begins his title defense Thursday morning alongside Koepka and Kim in one of the marquee groups of the week. Coverage starts on PGA Tour Live via ESPN+ at 7:45 a.m. ET, while Golf Channel’s television broadcast begins at 3 p.m. ET.
PGA Tour Announces Change for CJ Cup Byron Nelson Second Round