Scottie Scheffler returns to McKinney, Texas, for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with fresh eyes and a handful of questions about his stroke and the course. The world No. 1 will test redesigned bentgrass greens and new hazards at TPC Craig Ranch and try to recapture the putting form that helped him post a historic 31-under victory last year. Changes led by Lanny Wadkins reshaped the layout, and Scheffler is openly adjusting his routine with coach Phil Kenyon in mind as he defends the title in his hometown event.
Scheffler admits his short game looked shaky at the PGA Championship, where a few missed putts kept him from mounting a Sunday charge. “Overall, I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Scheffler said, and that confidence is showing as he treats this week as a reset. He’s made clear the plan is simple: focus on starting the ball on line and on fundamentals rather than overcomplicating things.
The Nelson’s overhaul cost nearly $25 million and centers on more contoured bentgrass greens plus additional bunkering that reshapes approach angles and landing areas. That kind of architectural shift can punish sloppy reads and reward precise putting, which is exactly what Scheffler is trying to dial back in. Playing the home-course pressure is one thing; playing a remade course that tests every putt is another.
Last summer’s win at TPC Craig Ranch was a statement — 31 under and a 253 total that tied the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring record alongside Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg. Since then, Scheffler missed the 2024 Nelson for the birth of his first child, making this his first defense in three years at a place he grew up watching. The week is personal: he attended the event as a child and made his in 2014, so the surroundings carry long memories.
His putting coach, Phil Kenyon, has been a recurring figure when Scheffler needs a midseason course correction. “Our discussion was basically like, I just want to make sure I’m starting the ball on line, and I want to make sure I’m lined up where I think I’m lined up,” Scheffler said, and that approach paid off previously. A short, focused checklist and consistent reads helped him rebound to win the Open Championship after a rough patch on the greens.
Jordan Spieth, another Dallas resident and friend, still holds the tournament in high regard, and Scheffler echoes that sentiment about the Nelson’s place in local golf culture. The event sits in a tricky spot on the calendar, played the week after a major and without the richest purse status, which affects who shows up. Still, for Texas players and fans, the tournament remains a touchstone that both men appreciate.
There’s noise about the Tour reworking its schedule to emphasize higher-paying events and signature tournaments, and the Nelson has felt that pressure. “A lot of that stuff’s out of my control,” Scheffler said, pointing out that sentimental value and history don’t always sway economic decisions. He reiterated his fondness: “This tournament means a lot to me. Mr. Nelson means a lot to a lot of us from the Dallas area, but especially myself. We’ve gone through some changes with this tournament over the years. If the tour wants my opinion, I have nothing but great things to say about this event.”
The Nelson has an agreement with TPC Craig Ranch through 2030, and CJ Group remains the title sponsor in the middle of a decade-long deal. The field includes several South Korean players, with Si Woo Kim the highest-ranked among them, and the tournament continues to chase a stronger star turnout. Locally, the event keeps two big Dallas-area stops on the tour map alongside Colonial in Fort Worth and next year’s PGA at PGA Frisco nearby.
Scheffler’s path this week is straightforward: adapt to greens that bite back, keep putting mechanics tidy, and lean on routines that have rescued him before. If he can settle reads and trust the stroke, the remodeled surfaces could either expose a weakness or highlight a renewed edge. Either way, the hometown gallery and familiar turf make this one of the more compelling defenses on the schedule.
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