CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2026: Why Brooks Koepka should thrive in Texas
Saddle up partners, we have a new TPC Craig Ranch on the horizon. Just minutes after the trophy presentation at the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the excavators were digging up the greens as part of a $22-million dollar renovation to stiffen the challenge for 2026. This has been the easiest course on the PGA Tour for the past four years, but the revamped bunkering, increased exposure to Rowlett Creek and brand-new greens will attempt to change that narrative.The field lacks star appeal, particularly the week after a major, but defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returns as a nod to Byron Nelson and serving this Texas community on fans. Frankly, he could also use a win, and hes the overwhelming favorite after he steamrolled the field here last season. Si Woo Kim, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and PGA champion Aaron Rai are also slated to tee it up this week in McKinney, Texas. Typically, new greens equal firm greens, heightening the importance of proper approach play and strategy. I do not expect the point and shoot approach that previously thrived at TPC Craig Ranch to be as successful in 2026. The balance of this tournament likely falls on the shoulders of momentum and those who can make adjustments based on the new course conditions. RELATED: CJ Cup Byron Nelson picks 2026: The sneaky bomber our experts loveHere are the 9 players best positioned to win the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson.9. Michael BrennanRichard HeathcoteOne of the major changes youll notice at TPC Craig Ranch after the latest renovation is the reintroduction of fairway bunkers for tour players. Those bunkers had become obsolete, with many players easily carrying them off the tee. Now repositioned around the 300-yard mark, they should create a distinct advantage for the small percentage of the field that can still fly them.One of those intriguing options is Michael Brennan, who leads the field in drives of 320-plus yards this season. He comes in under the radar, having made eight of his past nine cuts, and has already flashed real upside by winning the Bank of Utah Championship in just his third career PGA Tour start less than a year ago. Brennan is a longshot worthy of consideration.Read The Line's Joe Idone and John Haslbauer discuss Jordan Spieth's chances of winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson:Watch the full Preferred Lines betting show powered by Read The Line.8. Max GreysermanComing off his best result of 2026 at the PGA Championship, Max Greyserman looks like another ideal course fit for this version of TPC Craig Ranch. Ever the streaky player, Greyserman briefly held the solo lead at Aronimink and appears to have regained some control with his weapon of choice: the driver.Greyserman has a way of putting himself in contention in weaker-field events. Five runner-up finishes over the past two seasons suggest he is on the precipice of a breakthrough, and he checks several statistical boxes that should give him another strong chance to win this week.7. Christiaan BezuidenhoutCarl RecineIf this tournament continues its trend of players threatening record scoring marks, youll want to target someone who can roll the rock. Christiaan Bezuidenhout is your guy. He ranks as the second-best putter in the field, and his form is trending in the right direction.Bezuidenhout had another strong week on the greens at the PGA Championship, ultimately finishing T-5, and he has played well at TPC Craig Ranch over the past two seasons. He also seems to consistently show up in the great state of Texas.6. Michael ThorbjornsenThe potential has been bubbling toward victory for an extended period with Michael Thorbjornsen. His form has dipped recently, but this course setup should suit his strengths and provide an opportunity to finally nail down his first PGA Tour win.Thorbjornsen excels on driver-heavy courses that offer some forgiveness off the tee, allowing him to lean into his youthful power. Six career finishes inside the top four suggest he is capable of throwing his hat in the ring, and those reps should prove valuable if he finds himself in contention this weekend.5. Andrew PutnamScott Taetsch/PGA of AmericaLets think outside the box a bit. Weve been on a run of brutally difficult tests on the PGA Tour, from Doral to Aronimink, but TPC Craig Ranch historically leans into a different player profile. That profile looks a lot like Andrew Putnam, who always seems to saddle up in Texas.Putnam does two things at an elite level: He drives it straight and makes a lot of putts. That has proven to be a reliable recipe for success at this golf course. If he plays the weekend, hell have made his 10th consecutive cut, and Putnam is the type of player who can steal a victory on the greens come Sunday.4. Brooks KoepkaBrooks Koepka should be thriving. He has been the best approach player in this field this season and has been exceptional from tee to green. The issue has been the putter. I have personally never seen him putt this poorly, leading many to believe the pivot to the TaylorMade Spider should be scrapped in favor of the trusty old blade that helped him win five major championships.There is still room for optimism, as Koepka continues to give himself the prerequisite opportunities to shoot low scores on a regular basis. He has a strong career track record in Texas and remains hungry to earn his way into signature events. A win this week would play him right back into the big leagues.3. Jordan SpiethPublic perception is typically misplaced with Jordan Spieth. His game resonates and drives rooting interest because of his everyman style of play, often creating a gap between perception and statistical reality. That said, it has been a long time since he has driven the golf ball this well. Weve seen Spieth flirt with leader boards several times over the past month. The ball-striking numbers have come around, and two of his last five PGA Tour wins have come in his home state of Texas. A Spieth win would be good for the game, and I believe this week sets up as a great opportunity for him to get back inside the winners circle for the first time in three long years.2. Si Woo KimIcon SportswireFairways and greens go a long way on the PGA Tour, and Si Woo Kim has been the model of consistency. He has never been the longest player on tour, so shorter setups where he can lean into precision have always provided some of his best chances to win.In his past 15 starts, Kim has posted eight finishes of T-11 or better, showcasing remarkable reliability across a wide range of setups. He is yet another player who makes his home in Texas, and he has three consecutive quality starts at TPC Craig Ranch, including a T-2 in 2023.1. Scottie SchefflerIn a rare departure from his normal signature-only schedule, Scottie Scheffler returns to a newly renovated TPC Craig Ranch after annihilating the field here last season. The more stringent test should create an even better opportunity for his skill set to separate.Unsurprisingly, Scheffler ranks at or near the top of nearly every measurable metric I isolated, with driving distance being the lone exception. Unless the power advantage becomes borderline unfair, Scheffler remains the man to beat. He has to be salivating at the chance to put any lingering critics to rest and settle back onto his throne.RELATED: CJ Cup Byron Nelson picks 2026: Our DFS expert's bold prediction for Jordan SpiethListen to Golf Digest's weekly betting podcast, "The Loop," (above) where we interview the industry's leading experts (and sometimes tour pros) to help you make your bets and pick your fantasy lineups. And be sure to subscribe to "The Loop" wherever you get your podcasts!
Czech
English
Arabic
French
Spanish
Portuguese
Deutsch
Turkish
Dutch
Italiano
Russian
Portuguese (Brazil)
Greek