Why Is CJ Cup Byron Nelson One of the Most Important Milestones in PGA Tour?

There is a reason why Byron Nelson is the Byron Nelson. The tournament has changed names and shifted venues. But the only second PGA Tour event to be named after a former player—the other is the Arnold Palmer Invitational—has served as the launching pad of future world no. 1s and major winners in its different avatars. 

Jason Day sealed his first PGA Tour victory at the 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship. That edition was also famous for another future star’s debut. Seven years later, the current world no. 1 made his debut here as well. And, this year, another upcoming star from over the pond is heading to TPC Craig Ranch to continue the legacy. 

Spieth and Scheffler turned heads seven years apart from the same venue

Back in 2010, a 16-year-old high school grad sent a letter to HP Byron Nelson. Seeking a sponsor exemption, the 2009 US Junior Amateur Champion wrote, “I have always hoped my first PGA tour event would be the Byron Nelson Championship. Mr. Nelson stands for all that is great about the game of golf, and it would be an enormous honor to play in the championship named for him as my first.” 

Jordan Spieth wasn’t sure if that was going to cut it. After all, no amateur had received a sponsor exemption at Byron Nelson since 1995. But once eligible, Spieth was focused on not just making the cut but earning the bragging rights. 

Flanked by 200-something Jesuit College Preparatory School mates, the youngster tied for 16th. Mike McAllister, now the editorial director at LIV Golf, wrote at PGATour.com, “If you’re looking for the next big thing in golf, maybe Spieth is the kid you should watch.”

Four years later, another Dallas resident entered the tournament. Scottie Scheffler was 17 and the No. 1 junior golfer in the country. He was the reigning US Junior Amateur champion as well. With his sister, Callie, on the bag, Scheffler settled for the 22nd spot. “He doesn’t brag. That’s not who he is. But he knows he can play,” Randy Smith, his longtime coach, said at that time. 

Two phenomenal golfers made their entry into the CJ Cup Bryon Nelson in the last decade. This year, too, another young sensation is heading to TPC Craig Ranch. The British star already made headlines at Marco Simone last year. 

Another star on the rise at CJ Cup Byron Nelson?

Kris Kim, son of former South Korean LPGA Tour pro, Ji-Hyun Suh, received a sponsor exemption because of his ties with CJ. The Surrey native earned bragging rights last year over Miles Russell, who became the youngest player to make the Korn Ferry Tour cut, at the Ryder Cup singles (5 and 4). R&A Boys’ Amateur, European Individual Trophy, and McGregor Trophy are already under his belt. But the PGA Tour debut is special. 

“I’m so excited to tee it up in Texas. It’s what you work towards all the time and it’s an amazing opportunity,” Kim told BBC. He added, “My first aim is to make the cut and then see what happens. I’m one of 144 competitors and we’ve all got a chance.” The 16-year-old, though, is juggling between his studies. His schedule is quite busy, but revision for GCSE is still on his mind. He won’t find Scottie Scheffler on the field on Thursday, but Jordan Spieth will be there for inspiration.