The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Preview, Picks & Analysis

On a weekly basis, our wonderful sport offers golfers the opportunity to change their lives, to make dreams come true.

It happened 12 months ago when Taylor Pendrith won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The Canadian held his nerve with a birdie at the final hole to win his first PGA Tour title in Texas.

Pendrith trailed Ben Kohles by one shot approaching the last after the American had birdied both the 16th and 17th.

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But a poor drive from Kohles on the 18th left him under pressure.

After he missed a par putt, which could have secured a playoff, he was punished by the coolness of Pendrith.

Pendrith had moved to 22 under for the tournament after a birdie at the 12th but he failed to pick up another shot for the next five holes as Kohles made his late charge to move onto 23 under.

But when the Canadian, who had led by one shot going into the final round but who has struggled with wrist and shoulder injuries, was presented with his winning opportunity courtesy of a three foot putt, he made no mistake.

"It's crazy," he said afterwards. "Ben played great today and birdied 16 and 17. I didn't hit my best iron shots down the stretch but a good two-putt on the last. I feel for Ben making bogey, he played so well today, but I'm super thrilled. It's amazing, I'm shaking."

English pair Aaron Rai and Matt Wallace finished in a four-way tie for fourth on 20 under while 16-year-old amateur Kris Kim closed with a round of 73 for a two over total.

Formerly known as the Byron Nelson Classic, this tournament has raised a whopping $190 million for Momentous Institute, which is dedicated to supporting the mental health of children, families, and communities.

One bonus for the organisers this year is the return of Scottie Scheffler. The world number one missed the tournament in 2024 with his wife, Meredith, expecting their first child. Twelve months ago Scheffler was the dominant force in world golf. A hand injury suffered at Christmas delayed his return to action in 2025 and he has had to play second fiddle to Rory McIlroy, who won at Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass and The Masters before the end of April.

He played at the Houston Open and, despite not being anywhere near his best, also featured at the top of the leaderboard at The Masters without ever really threatening to to successfully defend his title. Scheffler comes from Texas and would dearly love to win this week.

Will Zalatoris has had his problems with injury. Now fully fit again, he was expected to pick up where he left off but it hasn’t really worked out that way for the American. 

His only missed cut came at The Masters, and that will have hurt because his record in the majors is excellent. The most striking thing is that he is making it to the weekend almost every time he tees it up but his form at the weekend just hasn’t been good enough. 

At the Players Championship he was right in the mix after opening with rounds of 70 and 66. But a ruinous third round of 78 ended his hopes and finished the week in a tie for 30th place. He needs a good week - and he needs it soon.

The same applies to England’s Paul Waring. Making it to the PGA Tour was a dream for the veteran that is fast becoming a nightmare. He was always likely to find it a battle but even he will not have expected it to be this difficult. He has failed to make a single cut and has not earned a cent.

Byron Nelson achieved 52 professional victories, five major championships, and an impressive year of 18 victories in 1945, highlighted by an unprecedented 11 wins in a row. He was a much-loved individual who established a reputation as a role model built upon character, integrity and faith.

Tournament Winners:

It was won in 2015 by Steven Bowditch, in 2016 by Sergio Garcia, in 2017 by Billy Horschel, in 2018 by Aaron Wise, in 2019 by Kong Sung-soon, in 2021 and 2022 by KH Lee, in 2023 by Jason Day and last year by Taylor Pendrith.

The Course:

TPC Craig Ranch is a par 72 measuring 7,438 yards. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, it opened in 2004. It is a parkland course featuring plenty of trees and Rowlett Creek comes into play on 11 holes.

Form Guide:

Can you really see anybody other than Scottie Scheffler winning? I can’t! He is the class act in the field and is very, very close to his best.

Prize Money:

The total prize fund is $9m, with the winner collecting $1.7m and 500 FedEx Cup points.

How to Watch:

Thursday, May 1, Friday, May 2, Sky Sports Golf, 9pm; Saturday, May 3, Sunday, May 4, Sky Sports Golf, 6pm.

To Win:

Scottie Scheffler. Red-hot favourite

Each Way:

Will Zalatoris. Brilliant iron player

Each Way:

Sungjae Im. Mr Consistency

Five to Follow:

Scottie Scheffler. Who is finishing second?

Will Zalatoris. Fit again

Sungjae Im. A machine

Eric Cole. Beautiful golf swing

Nico Echavarria. Hugely exciting

Five Outsiders to Watch:

Harry Hall. Englishman seeking another victory

Paul Waring. Looking for a miracle

Kevin Kisner. Now in his second career

Niklas Norgaard. Great Dane

Francesco Molinari. Still believes