A PGA TOUR Nightmare: CJ Cup Byron Nelson Faces Back to Back Hurdles, Here’s Why?

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has been riddled with back-to-back withdrawals since its onset. What started as a concerning WD from the California-born Will Zalatoris due to a triggered back injury update has led to a series of withdrawals for various reasons. Despite Nick Watney’s efforts to alleviate the absence of the 27-year-old, the concerns on the PGA Tour were far from over. It seems, along with the weather gods, this PGA Tour event has angered some other deities, which has led to the massive drain of talent from its greens.

The second withdrawal the event faced, just as they were recovering from the loss of Zalatoris, was Jarred Jeter. Bill Haas, the famous 2011 FedEx Cup winner replaced the reigning Northern Texas PGA section champion. Next came the untimely withdrawal of Sean O’Hair, who withdrew for unknown reasons, but the quest to find someone to fill in his shoes took a wild turn.

Initially, the expectations mounted on Russell Knox to fill in the shoes of Sean O’Hair. However, his subsequent withdrawal from the already-compromised field of the event paved the way for Scott Piercy to partake in the historically rich event.

Interestingly enough, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson’s withdrawal spree did not end with Scott Piercy’s entrance into the field. The event’s remaining headliner, Sungjae Im, also recently declared his first-ever withdrawal, possibly because of illness. S.Y. Noh, a famous South Korean professional golfer akin to Im, replaced the two-time PGA Tour winner. 

The mysterious departures from the field have led fans to question what’s left of the once-glorious event. The absence of some notable names from the PGA Tour’s side has left space for wonderment, provoking detailed thought into the matter of what’s next for the CJ Cup.

But amidst all this, which of the golfers has an excellent shot to emerge as the winner? Who are some glorious names left on the field, after all?

Who has an excellent shot at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson trophy?

The field still has some refined talent as renowned golfers like Matt Wallace, Justin Lower, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, and more. Wallace is currently taking the lead as the first round progresses. However, likely, a $9.5 million prize purse and the luster of the trophy will invite some tough competition for Wallace in the rounds to come.

After all, Jordan Speith has some grounds to cover since he failed to make the cut at the 2024 Masters at Augusta National. Indeed, the remains of the once glorious field of the event still seem promising. Only time will tell who will claim the title, but what’s your best bet? Let us know in the comments section below!