CJ CUP Byron Nelson Preview
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson makes its return to McKinney’s TPC Craig Ranch for the sixth straight year later this month. Twenty-two years after opening, the Tom Weiskopf design is once again set to welcome the world’s best. This time around, however, players will be met with all-new bunkering and green complexes that should provide a much stiffer test.
The previous five editions of the event at Craig Ranch have been what most would call a “birdie fest,” with the average winning score sitting at 26-under par. Lanny Wadkins and his team addressed that head-on during the seven-month renovation, adding more undulation and character to all 18 greens. The new complexes should bring added complexity on approach shots and around the putting surfaces, especially for players who have taken advantage of the perfect Zoysia fairway lies in the past.
The 2025 title was claimed by Dallas native and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at a staggering 31-under par. The field for 2026 continues to take shape as tournament week approaches, but with Scheffler already committed, along with a strong mix of established stars and emerging talent, fans should be in for another entertaining week.
As expected, there will be no shortage of hospitality and ticket options for fans making their way to TPC Craig Ranch. Hospitality and fan zones include The House of CJ, featuring Korean food and music as an homage to the Korean-based title sponsor. Premium venues such as the Choctaw Club and Champions Club offer climate-controlled lounges, prime sightlines and all-inclusive food and beverage, while semi-private options like Ranch17 and Lookout Boxes provide a more casual, social setting along the closing stretch. For those looking for a more traditional experience, grounds tickets still allow access to a variety of on-site activations and viewing areas throughout the property. Whether it’s a full corporate suite or a walk-the-course day, the Byron Nelson continues to deliver one of the more fan-friendly environments on the PGA TOUR.
Who’s going to be in the field?
Defending champion and fan favorite Scottie Scheffler headlines a strong field for the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson. He is joined by recent winners like Taylor Pendrith and two-time champion K.H. Lee, with more past champions expected to commit as the tournament nears.
A mix of established talent, including the Højgaard twins, will be tested by some of the game’s fastest-rising stars such as Aldrich Potgieter, Luke Clanton, Johnny Keefer, Karl Vilips and Ricky Castillo. As one of the most golf-rich regions in the country, the Metroplex will be well represented, with players such as Scheffler, Pierceson Coody, Will Zalatoris, Noah Goodwin, Mac Meissner, Harry Higgs, Hayden Springer and Ryan Palmer expected in the field. More commitments are on the horizon, so be sure to visit www.thecjcupbyronnelson.org for the latest updates.
If I get tickets, where should I take in the golf action?
For spectating, TPC Craig Ranch offers a more spread-out but fan-friendly experience, with several key vantage points throughout the property. The finishing stretch is the main hub, with Nos. 16, 17 and 18 providing the best opportunity to see a large volume of action in a short walk. The par-3 17th, in particular, has become a focal point for fans, with stadium-style seating and surrounding hospitality creating an energetic atmosphere. From there, it’s an easy move to the closing hole, which will now play as a par 4 for tournament play, making for a much tougher and more dramatic finish along Rowlett Creek.
Other great viewing areas include the 18th fairway landing zone and greenside, as well as the mid-round stretch where players navigate water-lined holes that bring plenty of volatility into play. Elevated areas near the clubhouse and practice facilities also provide a good look at multiple groups, along with access to warm-up routines and post-round practice. For those who like the long ball, the closing hole still offers plenty of opportunities to see players hit driver, but now demands a more precise approach into a well-protected green. The updated setup should add even more pressure late on Sunday, giving fans a front-row seat to how the world’s best handle one of the more challenging finishing holes on the PGA TOUR.
What’s the ticket situation?
A standard grounds pass gives fans the ability to walk the entire course, including access to practice facilities and public fan areas throughout TPC Craig Ranch. Spectators can follow their favorite players, post up along the rope line and take advantage of a variety of food and beverage options across the property, along with sponsor activations and fan experiences like The House of CJ. Grounds tickets generally range from around $60–$110 (including fees), depending on the day, with weekly options also available.
For those looking to elevate the experience, several premium hospitality options are offered. The Choctaw Club provides a climate-controlled lounge with views of the 16th green and 13th tee, along with all-inclusive food and beverage. The Champions Club, located on the par-3 17th, offers a lively atmosphere with stadium-style seating and premium amenities. Additional options such as Ranch17, Lookout Boxes and private suites give fans a more social or corporate setting with prime sightlines along the closing stretch. At the top end, ultra-premium experiences like the 1968 Club include VIP viewing, upgraded dining and exclusive perks throughout the week. Military members can also receive complimentary tickets and access to designated hospitality areas, making the Byron Nelson one of the more accessible stops on the PGA TOUR.
DATES: May 21–24, 2026
TITLE SPONSOR: CJ Group
SITE: TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney; opened 2004; Tom Weiskopf design; renovated 2025 (Lanny Wadkins)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS (subject to change)
Monday, May 18: Sewell Pro-Am
(closed to the public), sponsor events
Tuesday, May 19: Practice rounds (closed to the public)
Wednesday, May 20: Final practice round, Pro-Am
(ticket required)
Thursday, May 21: First Round
Friday, May 22: Second Round
Saturday, May 23: Third Round
Sunday, May 24: Final Round
PURSE: $9.9 million
BROADCAST: PGA TOUR LIVE, PGA TOUR Radio,
Golf Channel, CBS
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Scottie Scheffler
CHARITIES: Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Momentous Institute
Charles Schwab Challenge Preview
Colonial Country Club has been the host site for the PGA Tour for 80 years. Guess time flies when you’re having fun. From Craig Wood capturing the U.S. Open in 1941 to Ben Hogan’s legendary five wins, the course and the tournament offer a palpable history as patrons walk the grounds established in 1936 by Marvin Leonard. Over the years, Colonial has seen plenty of legendary players win the championship. Sam Snead, Tommy Bolt, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson, and Jordan Spieth just to name a few.
With a Gil Hanse course renovation two years ago and a new clubhouse nearing completion, the property is as good as it has ever been with a renewed excitement surrounding the tournament. 2026 should be another wonderful year, with a great field and large crowds expected now that the tournament doesn’t compete with Memorial Day weekend.
Who’s going to be in the field?
The 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge once again features a field fans won’t want to miss. Defending champion Ben Griffin returns to “Hogan’s Alley” looking to claim back-to-back titles. Griffin fired rounds of 66-63-68-71 to shoot 12-under and claim victory.
Other past champions in the field at this year’s Charles Schwab Challenge include 2024 Champ Davis Riley, 2023 champion Emiliano Grillo, 2017 winner Kevin Kisner, and 2015 champion Chris Kirk. More past champion commitments are expected in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
2025 Runner-up Matti Schmid will also return. Schmid finished one shot behind champ Griffin at 11-under-par. 2025 third place finisher Bud Cauley is also in the 2026 field. Cauley finished three strokes off Griffin’s pace at 9-under.
Other commitments include World No. 11 Chris Gotterup, No. 12 Robert MacIntyre, No. 14 Ludvig Åberg, 2009 U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover, and longtime fan favorite Rickie Fowler. Åberg has a connection to Colonial, having played the course in college and winning the 2023 Ben Hogan Award.
There are also multiple commitments with local ties. Pierceson Coody, Tom Hoge, Mac Meissner, Ryan Palmer and Austin Smotherman all have connections to the DFW Metroplex.
If you are a fan of the up-and-coming talented youngsters, the Charles Schwab Challenge offers plenty of those as well. Michael Brennan (24), Luke Clanton (22), Ryo Hisatsune (23), Johnny Keefer (25), Aldrich Potgieter (21), and Neil Shipley (25) are all scheduled to appear. Both Potgieter and Hisatsune finished T6 at last year’s Schwab.
More commitments are expected in the coming weeks, so be sure to check www.charlesschwabchallenge.com for updates.
If I get tickets, where should
I take in the golf action?
Colonial Country Club has seen extensive renovations over the last several years, beginning with the Gil Hanse renovation of the course. The clubhouse has also seen a whopper of an upgrade, and with that project nearing completion, spectators won’t see as much construction as they did for last year’s Schwab.
For prime viewing, the area around the No. 10 tee is always great. From the 10th tee, you can watch players warm up at the short game area, watch approach shots on No. 9, or meander up the hill and watch players tee off on No. 1, No. 17 and fire second shots in the par 4 18th. It’s a hub of activity, with multiple places to take in the action.
The stretch known as the “Horrible Horseshoe” is another great trio of holes. Nos. 3, 4 and 5 offer intense action, as this stretch tests players’ ability to the max, with a pair of long par 4s with a 245-yard par 3 in the middle. The Hanse renovation really enhanced the views on this hole, as the par 4 5th now has a sandy barranca all down the left which really beefed up an already challenging hole. Removal of native underbrush has opened up views of the Trinity River, making this a spectacular hole.
If you want to watch guys swing for the fences, the par 5 11th is a great spot. Behind the tee, you can see the pros unleash the driver on this 600-plus yard par 5. This one usually plays a little downwind as well, so you can see players really push the envelope trying to leave themselves in position to reach the green in two.
Then, of course, there is the famous No. 13. This par 3 has been a hotbed for action over the years, with plenty of drinks flowing and corporate hospitality surrounding the green, making for a fun atmosphere with lots of energy.
The other par 3 on the second nine at Colonial is another great natural amphitheater. When Hanse renovated the course, he moved the green over about 40 yards from the original location. This offers better sight lines and a great viewing spot from the tee or surrounding the green. Overall, Colonial’s smaller footprint makes this a great place for spectators. Patrons can work their way across the course in a matter of minutes, and the massive oaks provide plenty of shade throughout the jaunt. There are multiple great spots to watch, even for those who choose the affordable single day general admission ticket.
Speaking of tickets … what are the options?
There are several ticket options for the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge. General admission tickets are available daily and start at just $50. This option offers spectators rope line viewing on all 18 holes and practice areas. There is also an expanded food truck fairway near holes No. 1 and No. 2 where GA ticket holders can purchase food from local vendors. Of course, standard concession areas are also accessible with a general admission ticket.
The VIP Villages Ticket is the most popular option among attendees. Starting at $350 per day, this experience includes cuisine, craft cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks. These tickets offer full access to four villages across the property, which are located overlooking No. 10 and 18, at No. 8 green, the poolside plaza, and near No. 16 green. There is also a special VIP entrance for Villages ticket holders.
The upgraded Leonard’s Club ticket (named for club founder Marvin Leonard) runs $800 per day, and also offers unlimited access to food, craft drinks, beer, wine and soft drinks. These tickets offer access to the Hogan statue level of the new clubhouse and food is prepared by Colonial’s Executive Chef Cynthia Romstadt and her team. Food options include hand-crafted hearthstone pizzas, daily buffets featuring signature dishes like Ahi Tuna Tacos, Buffalo Chicken Bao Buns, Fort Worth BBQ Sliders and much more.
This is a premier viewing experience with climate control and decks overlooking 18 green, as well as No. 1 and No. 10 tee. This option is limited in inventory, so act fast.
The newest option for ultimate hospitality is the Hawk’s Landing ticket. These are extremely limited. Perched atop the new north clubhouse, this luxury experience welcomes just 100 guests each day to enjoy a refined, restaurant-style setting featuring chef-curated dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients, and beautifully plated selections designed to impress. Step outside to the wraparound terrace for sweeping views of the No. 9 and No. 18 greens and the No. 1 and No. 10 tees. This is the best option available, with incredible views of the course and downtown Fort Worth. If you want the ultimate, you may inquire via the Charles Schwab Challenge website.
DATES: May 25-May 31, 2026
TITLE SPONSOR: Charles Schwab
SITE: Colonial Country Club, Opened 1936, Designers: John Bredemus, Perry Maxwell, Gil Hanse
CALENDAR OF EVENTS (subject to change, see website for times)
Monday, May 25: Ben Hogan Pro-Am (closed to the public), Hogan Awards Reception @ TCU Legends Club
Tuesday, May 26: Executive Women’s Day Luncheon @ TCU Legends Club (closed to the public), Practice rounds
Wednesday, May 27: Military Home Donation Event, Player Meet & Greet, Colonial Pro-Am (open to the public, tickets required)
Thursday, May 28: First Round
Friday, May 29: Second Round
Saturday, May 30: Third Round
Sunday, May 31: Final Round, military flyover, champions ceremony
PURSE: $9.9 million
BROADCAST: PGA TOUR Live, ESPN +, Golf Channel, Paramount +, CBS
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Ben Griffin
CHARITIES: Birdies for Charity, Executive Women’s Day, Military Home Donation, Ben Hogan Award, Colonial Charities Challenge, The First Tee of Fort Worth