The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2026 preview, picks & analysis
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 18 May 2026
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The week after a major is always something of an anti-climax, with most of the world’s leading golfers putting their feet up after their exertions. However, world number one Scottie Scheffler will be in action at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where he will be defending his title.
The tournament was played earlier 12 months ago and it was Scheffler's his first win of 2025 in what turned out to be a memorable year for the American. And he won with an utterly dominant performance.
Scheffler, who had finished fourth at The Masters, carded an eight-under-par 63 to finish the week on 31 under par - an incredible eight shots clear of nearest rival, South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen.
He also equalled the record for the lowest 72-hole score in PGA Tour history, recording a barely believable 253 blows across the four days. It was the 14th PGA Tour title of his career.
Playing in front of his hometown crowd he said: "I was inspired and very fortunate to be in that position." With some classic understatement, he added: "I played some good golf and kept myself in a good position all week."
As he came off the green at the 18th he was greeted by his wife Meredith and baby son Bennett.
Of course, Scheffler has already won the American Express but he has shown some vulnerability. However, the remarkable thing about Scheffler is his ability to get into contention when not at his best. You will recall that he only finished a single shot behind Rory McIlroy at this year’s Masters.
(Image Credit: Rolex/J.D Cuban)
So who is going to challenge the all-conquering Scheffler this week?
In the absence of McIlroy and company, how about Pierceson Coody?
Coody had a successful amateur career before and during college. He won the 2018 Byron Nelson Junior Championship (and was runner up in 2015) and the 2016 Jordan Speith Tournament in high school and was also a State High School regional Champ in 2016.
Coody attended the University of Texas between 2018 and 2022 and earned All-American honours in 2020, 2021 and 2022. As an amateur he won the 2018 South Beach International, the 2019 Trans-Mississippi Amateur, the 2020 Western Amateur, the 2021 George Hannon Collegiate and the 2022 Augusta Haskins Award Invitational. He was the 2021 Big 12 Men's Golf Player of the Year and made the All-Big 12 team, and the All-Big 12 Academic team, in 2021 and 2022. He became the world’s top-ranked amateur in April 2021.
Coody topped the PGA Tour University rankings and received a spot on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022. He turned professional in 2022 and won the Maine Open by five strokes in his third start. He went on to win two other Korn Ferry events. In 2023, he secured his PGA Tour card by finishing ranked in the top 30 of the Korn Ferry Tour.
At the 2024 ISCO Championship, Coody led on each of the first three days of golf but finished the final day in a five-way tie for first before losing out in a playoff to England’s Harry Hall.
He has played some outstanding golf this season. He was tied 13th at the Sony Open, tied 18th at the American Express, tied second at the Farmers Insurance Open, tied 10th at the Phoenix Open and tied 16th at both the Genesis and the RBC Heritage. It is surely only a matter of time before he records his maiden PGA Tour title.
Rasmus Hojgaard will continue his quest for that elusive first victory on American soil.
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, in 2024 by Taylor Pendrith and last year by Scottie Scheffler.
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 21, Friday, May 22, Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, Sky Sports Golf, 6pm.
To Win:
Scottie Scheffler. Red-hot favourite
Each Way:
Pierceson Coody. Could become a superstar
Each Way:
Michael Brennan. Keep an eye on Brennan
Five to Follow:
Scottie Scheffler. Can anybody beat him?
Pierceson Coody. Getting closer
Michael Brennan. Looks to have every shot in the book
Aaron Rai. New PGA champion is part of the field
Jordan Smith. Too good to keep struggling
Five Outsiders to Watch:
Aaron Wise. Looking for redemption
Danny Willett. Is there a way back
Kevin Streelman. Still makes birdies for fun
Neil Shipley. A star in waiting
Alejandro Tosti. Hits the ball a mile
About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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