THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson returns to TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, north of Dallas, with play from May 21-24 and a $10.3 million purse. The field is thin after recent majors and Signature Events, leaving Scottie Scheffler as a historically short favorite and creating longshot value below him. Aaron Rai, who won the PGA Championship at 200-1 odds, withdrew Monday and will not compete. TPC Craig Ranch is a Par 71 that received a $25 million renovation in December, adding nuance while keeping its birdie-friendly nature. Winning scores have reached 23-under or better in every edition since 2021, including Scheffler’s 31-under win. Wide fairways, receptive bentgrass greens, reachable par fives, and Texas wind favor players who score low through strong approach play and Par 5 performance.
"TPC Craig Ranch is a Par 71 layout that underwent a significant $25 million renovation last December, giving the course a new look heading into 2026. The renovation was inspired by Lanny Wadkins and adds some nuance to what has historically been one of the most birdie-friendly courses on the PGA Tour schedule. The winning score here has reached 23-under or better in every edition since 2021, culminating in Scheffler's staggering 31-under performance last year, one of the most dominant winning totals in Tour history."
"Even after the renovation, the course rewards aggressive birdie-making. Wide fairways limit the punishment off the tee. Large, receptive bentgrass greens reward approach play. The par fives are reachable and scoring opportunities cluster throughout the layout. Strokes Gained: Approach, birdie or better rate, and Par 5 scoring are the primary filters to prioritize this week. Players who can go low consistently and handle Texas wind conditions have dominated the history here."
"The field is notably thin after two major championships and two Signature Events in the past month. Most of the elite players who have the option to skip this event have done so, which means Scottie Scheffler enters as a historically short favorite and the rest of the board opens up with genuine longshot value below him."
"One other major storyline coming in: Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship last week at Aronimink at 200-1 odds, one of the most stunning upsets in major championship history. He withdrew from this event Monday morning and will not make the trip to McKinney."
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