Grab your clubs and sharpen your pencils, golf fans, because the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson is teeing off at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. From May 1-4, this event promises plenty of excitement, low scores, and more birdies than the front porch at dawn. With a $9.9 million purse and a shot at 500 FedEx Cup points, you can expect the field to bring their A-game. Here’s everything you need to know before the first drive takes flight.
Meet the Course
TPC Craig Ranch has been the host since 2021, and it’s a paradise for players who love wide fairways, soft greens, and some serious scoring opportunities. This par-72 course stretches out to 7,468 yards and has a reputation for catering to low scores like Oprah handing out free cars. Expect to see plenty of eagles and birdies, especially on the par-5s, which tend to reward big hitters with guts and great iron play.
But don’t get too cocky. With deeper-than-normal rough added this year, players who veer off-course may pay the price. The greens, sprawling as they are, demand precision putting, so the short game will also shine bright in deciding the winner.
Big Names, Bigger Expectations
This year’s lineup is headlined by some serious heavyweights, and if there’s one storyline to follow, it’s the battle between local Texan legends and rising stars.
Scottie Scheffler (+280)
The Dallas native is the short-odds favorite, which basically means people are betting on him like he’s printing money. Why not? He’s the world number one, has five top-10 finishes in eight starts this season, and gets to sleep in his own bed this week. His best finish here was solo fifth back in 2023, and with his world-class tee-to-green game, it’s hard not to picture him hoisting the trophy on Sunday.
Jordan Spieth (+1800)
Remember Jordan Spieth? Texas’s golden boy? It’s been a minute since he snagged a win (2022 RBC Heritage), but Spieth loves playing on home turf. He was the runner-up here in 2022, and with recent finishes of T12, T14, and T18, he’s building momentum. Sure, his inconsistent driving can sometimes look like he’s playing pinball with the trees, but his creativity around the greens could keep him in contention.
Taylor Pendrith (+2500)
Oh, Canada! Pendrith comes in as the defending champ, and his victory last year was nothing short of clinical. He lit up the course with rounds of 63 and 67, only carding three bogeys the entire tournament. Defending a win is no easy task, but Pendrith has already shown he’s comfortable and confident at TPC Craig Ranch.
Sungjae Im (+2200)
Making his debut at Craig Ranch, Sungjae Im brings consistency and precision into the mix. He’s a putting machine, and with greens this huge, that skill will come in handy. Recently finishing T11 at The Masters and T5 at the RBC Heritage, Im looks primed to excel on a low-scoring course.
Sleeper Picks and Dark Horses
It’s not always the big names that steal the show. Here are a couple of under-the-radar players worth your attention (and maybe your money):
- Ryan Gerard (+500 to finish Top 10): Gerard has been sneaky good, with three top-12 finishes in his last four events. With his ball-striking and recent form, he’s a juicy option for bettors looking for some value.
- Stephan Jaeger (+4500 to win): Jaeger already claimed a win in Texas last year and tends to thrive on courses that reward birdie binges. The odds are long, but so is his appetite for low scores.
Predictions and Betting Insights
The odds heavily favor Scottie Scheffler, and look, you’d be a fool to bet against him. But at +280, the payout might not be worth the risk unless you’re rolling with house money. Spieth offers solid drama and a respectable +1800 line, perfect for someone who loves a Cinderella finish.
For those chasing bigger payouts, Sungjae Im (+2200) or Stephan Jaeger (+4500) could bring some serious value to your slip. Both fit the profile of what works at TPC Craig Ranch, and both are playing some fantastic golf heading into this event.
Finally, if you’re the type to sprinkle a little cash on something fun, consider Byeong Hun An to finish Top South Korean at +230. He’s played well here before, and if he can avoid the Thursday slump, he’ll be a threat all weekend.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re watching to cheer on Scheffler, rooting for a Spieth resurgence, or just hoping your longshot pick avoids the water hazard, the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson has something for everyone. The course is set up for fireworks, the field is stacked with talent, and the stakes couldn’t be much higher as players chase that prize purse and FedEx Cup points.
Who’s your pick to win it all? Whatever happens, just remember the most important thing about golf betting: there’s no such thing as a sure thing… unless you’re betting someone will hit it into the water at least once. Cheers!
