The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 is a prestigious golf tournament on the PGA Tour in Texas. Since 2021, it’s been held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas – a course known for its smooth Bentgrass greens. For most of its history, it was the only PGA Tour event named after a professional golfer and is one of only two, along with the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Originally known as the AT&T Byron Nelson, the tournament got a new life when South Korea’s CJ Group became the title sponsor, blending Eastern excellence with Western tradition. Past winners include Jason Day (2023) and K.H. Lee, who made history with back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.
Where Is The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Being Played?
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 is set to return to the prestigious TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This renowned venue has a rich history of hosting major golf events, including the Nationwide Tour Championship in 2008 and 2012. Since 2021, it has proudly served as the home of the AT&T Byron Nelson.
This par-71 PGA Tour course is consistently praised for its championship-caliber design and impeccable conditioning. One of its standout features is Rowlett Creek, which winds through the course 14 times, creating natural hazards that elevate the challenge. The Zoysia grass fairways ensure consistent ball striking, while the smooth, fast Bentgrass greens offer a premium putting experience.
TPC Craig Ranch also boasts world-class practice facilities. These include a 350-yard dual-sided driving range, a spacious putting green, a 100-yard short game area with bunkers, and a dedicated chipping green, providing players with everything they need to prepare at the highest level.
When planning what to wear to The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, keep the Texas weather in mind. Held from late April to early May, the tournament typically experiences warm temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of sun. Lightweight, breathable golf apparel is essential. Choose moisture-wicking polos with UV protection and opt for light-colored, stretchy golf trousers or shorts to reflect the sun. For early tee times, a light pullover or sleeveless golf vest should keep you comfortable throughout the round.
CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Schedule
This is a big PGA Tour event that is ready to take place from April 28 to May 4, 2025. Here’s the daily breakdown of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 dates:
1. Monday, April 28, 2025
- Sewell Automotive Companies Pro-Am
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- Private Pro-Am with pros and invited amateur guests.
- Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Gates open at 6:30 AM. Closed to the public
2. Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Professional Practice Rounds
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- Players practice on the course (goes on all day).
- No public access
- Nicholas Air Celebrity-Am
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- At Trinity Forest Golf Club – another private event with celebrities and pros.
- Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards Ceremony
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- Celebrating top junior golfers from around the world.
- Invitation-only
- Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
3. Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Healthcare Highways Official Pro-Am
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- Main public Pro-Am with pros and amateurs.
- Open to fans and a great day to get up close
- Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Mental Health Awareness Panel
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- Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- At the Champions Club – mental wellness in sports.
- Invitation-only
4. Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Round 1
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- First official round where all pros post their scores.
- Open to the public—where the real fun begins.
- Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
5. Friday, May 2, 2025
- Round 2 (Cut Day)
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- The second round determines the cut line—all pros must post a score to advance.
- Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
6. Saturday, May 3, 2025 – “Green Out Day”
- Round 3 (Moving Day)
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- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2025 Golf Leaderboard gets tighter as players try to move up.
- Also known as “Green Out for Mental Health” day—fans encouraged to wear green.
- Community day with lots of excitement
- Time: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
7. Sunday, May 4, 2025
- Championship Round (Final Round)
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- Gates open at 6:30 AM
- The last day of the tournament where every winner is decided.
- Closing Ceremony starts at 5:00 PM on the 18th green with the trophy presentation for the champion.
Source: The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Schedule
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Tickets
1. Grounds Tickets
Daily Tickets
Single-day grounds tickets start at $75 and grant access to all public areas of the course, including spectator zones and iconic spots like the renowned 17th hole. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the official website at thecjcupbyronnelson.org.
Patron Package
This package includes two (2) grounds tickets and one (1) general parking pass, valid for all four tournament days (May 1–4). Prices range from $220 to $230. Available exclusively at thecjcupbyronnelson.org.
2. Hospitality Options
Champions Club
Located near the 17th hole, this hospitality package features a full-service bar, lunch, snacks, and access to a premium lounge. Pricing is approximately $350 per day. Available for purchase on the official website.
Choctaw Club
Situated near the 16th hole, this upscale experience includes a premium buffet, full bar, and climate-controlled indoor seating. Prices range from $450 to $500 per day. Purchase through the official website.
1968 Club
A premier hospitality experience available upon request, this package includes Pro-Am entry, exclusive VIP benefits, and more. The cost is approximately $12,500 per playing spot for the Pro-Am. Available on the official website.
3. Special Events
Wednesday Pro-Am (April 30, 2025)
Play alongside PGA Tour professionals the day before the tournament begins. Entry is $12,500 per playing spot, available through the official website.
4. Complimentary Tickets for Active Military
Active-duty, reserve, and retired military personnel are eligible to receive two (2) complimentary grounds tickets for Thursday through Sunday. A valid military ID is required. Tickets can be claimed via Essentially Sports.
5. Additional Ticket Information
- Mobile Tickets Only: All tickets are digital and must be accessed via a mobile device. No paper tickets are issued.
- Daily Tickets from Resellers:
- Ticketmaster: from $75
- Vivid Seats: from $80
- SeatGeek: from $93
- Parking Passes: Must be purchased separately via Ticketmaster or the official tournament website.
For more information or ticket assistance, contact The CJ Cup Byron Nelson team or Ticketmaster directly.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Format
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 is a 72-hole stroke play tournament played over four rounds, with each player’s score determined by the total number of strokes taken across all rounds. Each round is played on a separate day, requiring participants to compete over four consecutive days.
The tournament begins on Thursday (Round 1) and continues through Friday (Round 2), Saturday (Round 3), and Sunday (Round 4). A total of 156 players will compete, including top-ranked professionals from around the world, special exemptions, and qualifiers from various entry paths.
After the completion of Round 2 on Friday, a cut will be made. Only the top 65 players and ties will advance to the final two rounds. Players who perform well in the first two rounds will qualify to compete over the weekend, while those who do not make the cut will be eliminated from the tournament.
The champion will be the player with the lowest cumulative score after all four rounds. In the event of a tie at the end of the final round, a sudden-death playoff will be held. Players tied for first place will compete in additional holes until one player emerges as the winner.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Payout
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 features a $9.5 million purse, making it one of the most lucrative events of the PGA Tour season.
Payout and FedEx Cup Points
- Champion’s Prize: The winner will take home $1,710,000, which represents 18% of the total purse, along with 500 FedEx Cup points — a significant boost toward qualifying for the FedEx Cup Playoffs and improving season standings.
- Runner-Up: The second-place finisher will earn $1,035,500.
- Minimum Payout: The lowest payout for players making the cut (65th place) is $20,425.
In addition to the financial rewards, FedEx Cup points play a critical role in a player’s season, affecting their ranking and playoff eligibility. A strong performance at this tournament can be pivotal for players chasing postseason success.
2025 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Picks
With TPC Craig Ranch known for its fast fairways, wide landing areas, and player-friendly layout, several contenders are emerging as fan and analyst favorites for The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025. Here’s a look at the top picks and dark horses:
Top Contenders
- Jordan Spieth
A Texas native, Spieth is not only a crowd favorite but also a legitimate title contender. He finished 2nd here in 2022, has extensive knowledge of the course, and thrives with the support of a passionate home crowd. With a course record under his belt and a strong desire to turn past near-wins into victory, Spieth enters the field as one of the strongest threats.
- Si Woo Kim
Kim’s calm demeanor and exceptional iron play make him a dangerous competitor at TPC Craig Ranch. His ball-striking precision and ability to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the round could keep him in contention from Thursday to Sunday.
- Jason Day
As the defending champion, Day knows how to win here. His exceptional short game, creative recovery shots, and extensive experience on this course give him a strong foundation to defend his title successfully.
- Tom Kim
Although young, Tom Kim has already proven he can compete with the best. His pinpoint iron accuracy, clutch putting, and fearless mindset make him a serious contender capable of shaking up the leaderboard.
- Stephan Jaeger
Currently in excellent form, Jaeger’s consistent ball-striking and accurate tee-to-green game suit the wide and forgiving design of TPC Craig Ranch. His precise shot placement gives him a distinct advantage on this layout.
- Alex Noren
One of the most tactical players on tour, Noren excels through smart course management, balance, and disciplined risk-taking. While he may not dominate with flashy stats, his structured game makes him a strong top-10 pick.
Dark Horses to Watch
- Andrew Novak
Though not a household name, Novak is gaining attention as a potential breakout winner. His under-the-radar confidence and recent performances make him a longshot worth watching.
- David Skinns & Justin Lower
Both Skinns and Lower may lack headline stats, but their solid recent form and low-pressure approach give them the potential to rise above expectations. Don’t be surprised if either makes a strong weekend run.
With a course that rewards both strategy and aggressive play, The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 promises an exciting battle among rising stars and seasoned pros alike.
