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 coming back to the great TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. The venue has a rich history of hosting big events. It previously hosted the Nationwide Tour Championship in 2008 and 2012, but since 2021, it’s been the home of the AT&T Byron Nelson.
This par-71 PGA Tour course is always in the spotlight for its championship design and flawless conditioning. One of the course’s most notable features is the Rowlett Creek, which runs through the course 14 times and adds natural hazards to the challenge. The Zoysia grass fairways provide a consistent ball striking and fast-paced putting, and the Bentgrass greens are smooth and fast — a premium playing experience all around.
The Cj Cup Byron Nelson location also has world-class practice facilities, including a 350-yard dual-sided range, a huge putting green, a 100-yard short game area with bunkers, and a dedicated chipping green.
Texas weather is a big factor when it comes to what to wear at the The CJ Cup Byron Nelson field. From late April to early May, McKinney's temperature is average with high humidity and sun. Lightweight and breathable golf clothing is a must. Only wear polos that are moisture-wicking and UV-protected. Stretchy golf trousers or shorts in light colours are perfect as they reflect the sun rather than absorb it. If you’re teeing off early, a light pullover or sleeveless golf vest is enough to stay comfortable.
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
-
-
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
-
-
Players practice on the course (goes on all day).
-
No public access
-
-
Nicholas Air Celebrity-Am
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
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
-
-
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
-
At the Champions Club – mental wellness in sports.
-
Invitation-only
-
4. Thursday, May 1, 2025
-
Round 1
-
-
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)
-
-
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)
-
-
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)
-
-
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: These tickets are available for one day of the tournament. Prices start at $75. These tickets get you into all public areas of the course, including spectator areas and signature holes like the famous 17th hole. The price ranges around $75. Buy these tickets from Ticketmaster or thecjcupbyronnelson.org.
Patron Package: 4-day access with 2 grounds tickets and 1 general parking pass for the entire tournament, May 1-4. Its price ranges from $220 to $230. Buy these tickets from thecjcupbyronnelson.org.
2. Hospitality Options:
Champions Club: Near the 17th hole, the hospitality package includes a full-service bar, lunch, snacks, and premium lounge access. It costs approximately $350 per day. You can buy this luxury package from the official website.
Choctaw Club: Near the 16th hole, the premium buffet is available with full bar and climate-controlled spaces for a high-end experience. The charges range from $450 per day to $500 per day. Get this luxury package from the official website.
1968 Club: Luxury hospitality experience available upon request. Pro-Am entry and other exclusive benefits are included for VIP guests. The price ranges around $12,500 per playing spot for the Pro-Am. This package is also available on the website for purchase.
3. Special Events:
Wednesday Pro-Am (April 30, 2025): Play golf with the pros before the tournament at the entry rate of $12,500 per playing spot. Buy it from the official website.
4. Active Military Complimentary Tickets:
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 military tickets include active-duty, reserve, or retired military personnel. You can get 2 grounds tickets for Thursday-Sunday. Must show military ID. Buy these tickets from the Essentially Sports website.
Daily tickets are available from Ticketmaster CJ Cup Byron Nelson ($75), Vivid Seats CJ Cup Tickets ($80), SeatGeek CJ Cup Tickets ($93). The tournament only offers mobile tickets and no paper tickets. You'll need to access your tickets through your mobile device. If you need parking, you'll need to buy a separate parking pass available on Ticketmaster and the official website.
Contact CJ Cup Byron Nelson or Ticketmaster for more information or help with tickets.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 Format
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2025 is a 72-hole stroke play event with 4 rounds, where each player’s score will be determined by the total number of strokes they take in each round. Each round will be played on a separate day, so players will have to play all 4 rounds. There will be 156 players, including the top players from around the world, special exemptions, and those who qualify through various channels.
The tournament starts on Thursday (Round 1), Friday (Round 2), Saturday (Round 3), and Sunday (Round 4). After Friday (Round 2), there will be a cut, and the top 65 and ties will advance to the final two rounds. Only those who play well in the first two rounds will get to play the weekend rounds. Once the cut is made, only the top players will continue to the final two rounds. If a player’s score after the second round is in the top 65, they will move on to the weekend rounds. If they don’t make the cut they will be out of the tournament.
The player with the lowest total score after all four rounds will be the champion. If there is a tie after the final round, there will be a sudden-death playoff where players will play extra holes until one player is declared the winner.
Going to the Tournament? Don’t Miss These!
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Payout
The tournament has a $9.5 million purse, one of the biggest of the season. The winner will get $1,710,000, 18% of the total purse, and 500 FedEx Cup points. Along with the money, the winner will also get 500 FedEx Cup points, which are important for season standings and FedEx Cup Playoffs. The runner-up will get $1,035,500, and the lowest payout among those who make the cut is $20,425, which is 65th place.
2025 The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Picks
With TPC Craig Ranch being a fast, wide, and player-friendly layout, some names are emerging as favourites among fans and analysts. Top picks are:
-
Jordan Spieth isn’t just a favourite because of his Texas ties but because of his deep knowledge of the course and a strong 2nd place finish here in 2022. With a huge home crowd behind him, a course record, and the desire to convert a close call into a win, Spieth is one of the strongest contenders this year.
-
Si Woo Kim brings calm and a strong iron game — the kind of skills that make him a real threat at TPC Craig Ranch. His ball-striking accuracy and ability to control tempo and course flow put him in the mix all four days.
-
Jason Day is the defending champion and knows this course like the back of his hand. With a great short game, creative recovery shots, and past success, he has the experience and game style to make a strong defence of his title.
-
Tom Kim may be young, but he has already shown he can compete with the best. His tight iron play, composed putting under pressure, and fearless attitude make him a rising threat to upset the field at any moment.
-
Stephan Jaeger is also in hot form. His ball-striking consistency and accurate tee shots around the greens give him an edge, especially on a wide course like Craig Ranch, where shot placement is key.
-
Alex Noren is one of the most tactical players on tour. His game is built on structure, balance, and intelligent risk management — an approach that makes him a smart pick for a top-10.
-
As for longshots, Andrew Novak is sneaking into the win.
-
David Skinns and Justin Lower are other best picks. Their raw numbers may not jump off the leaderboard, but their recent form and no-pressure mindset make them top contenders.