Scottie Scheffler returns to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson this week as the overwhelming favorite, bringing the world No. 1 ranking, a recent major near-miss and the memory of one of the most dominant PGA Tour performances of his career back to TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
Scheffler Comes Back To A Tournament He Owned
Scheffler’s return carries extra weight because of what he did at this event a year ago. The Dallas-area native won the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson wire to wire, finishing at 31-under 253 to break the tournament scoring record and match the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring mark.
That victory was not just another win on his résumé. It was a home-region statement from a player already viewed as the game’s most reliable force, and it reinforced his ability to dominate when he enters a week with command of every part of his game.
This year’s edition begins Thursday, May 21, at a redesigned TPC Craig Ranch. The course has undergone a major renovation, including more demanding green contours and changes intended to add resistance after years of low scoring. That gives Scheffler a familiar venue with a different competitive test.
Why Scottie Scheffler Is Such A Heavy Favorite
Scheffler enters the week with betting interest rarely seen outside the peak Tiger Woods era. His pre-tournament price reflects both his ranking and the shape of the field, which lacks several of the deepest names that typically crowd major championships and signature events.
The favorite’s role is not new for him. Scheffler has spent much of the past several seasons carrying the expectations that come with being the sport’s most complete player. His ball-striking remains the foundation: elite driving, precise iron play and an ability to turn difficult courses into manageable ones.
The biggest question usually comes on the greens. Scheffler has repeatedly faced scrutiny over putting, but he has also described this season as one of his strongest with the putter. That is an important distinction. When he putts at even an average level, his tee-to-green advantage often becomes enough to separate him from the field.
Recent Results Show Form, But Not Perfection
Scheffler’s 2026 season has included another PGA Tour victory, multiple high finishes and a steady hold near the top of the FedExCup race. He opened the year by winning The American Express, claiming his 20th PGA Tour title with a four-shot victory and setting the tone for another season built around consistency.
Since then, the standard has remained extremely high, even when he has not won. He finished second at the Masters, continuing his major-championship reliability, and he has remained in contention often enough that anything outside the top tier now feels unusual by his own standards.
His most recent major result, a tie for 14th at the PGA Championship, was not a collapse, but it did leave room for frustration. Putting struggles and course setup questions followed him through the week. For most players, a top-15 major finish would be a success. For Scheffler, it becomes a point of correction.
The Texas Factor Adds Another Layer
Scheffler’s ties to Texas make this week more than a standard title defense. He grew up in the Dallas area, played college golf at the University of Texas and has long been embraced by local galleries. At the Byron Nelson, that support can be loud, familiar and constant.
Home-state advantage in golf is complicated. Familiarity can help, but added attention can also bring pressure. Scheffler has already shown he can handle that balance, particularly after last year’s runaway win.
The renovated course could reduce some of the carryover from 2025. More severe greens may place a premium on approach-shot angles, short-game touch and patience. That still suits Scheffler, whose game is built less on streaky scoring and more on repeatedly creating high-quality chances.
Who Could Challenge Scheffler At The Byron Nelson
The field still has players capable of making the week uncomfortable. Si Woo Kim has the kind of precision game that can travel well on a course demanding smart approach play. Jordan Spieth brings Texas history, crowd support and the ability to manufacture momentum when his short game is sharp. Brooks Koepka’s presence adds major-championship edge, even as he continues trying to sharpen his week-to-week PGA Tour form.
Jonathan Byrd-style long shots and younger players can also matter at the Byron Nelson because TPC Craig Ranch has historically allowed aggressive scoring. If the redesign does not fully slow the field, the winning number could again demand four days of sustained birdie production.
For Scheffler, that means the task is not simply avoiding mistakes. He will likely need to attack when conditions allow and adjust quickly if the new greens punish shots that previously held easier positions.
What This Week Means For Scheffler’s Season
A successful title defense would strengthen Scheffler’s grip on the 2026 season and quiet any lingering conversation from the PGA Championship. It would also add another layer to his already rare consistency: winning at home, winning as the clear favorite and winning on a course that has changed since his record performance.
A loss would not meaningfully damage his standing. He has built enough separation from the field that one ordinary week rarely changes the broader view of his game. But the way he plays — especially on the greens — will be watched closely as the schedule moves toward the summer’s biggest events.
For now, Scheffler arrives in Texas with the sport expecting another serious run. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson will show whether last year’s dominance was tied to a perfect week, or whether the world No. 1 can impose the same control on a new-look course under even heavier expectations.
