Welcome to TPC Craig Ranch, folks, where the fairways are lush, the greens are slick, and the pros are already making golf look way easier than it actually is. The 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson is underway, and right out of the gate, Scottie Scheffler has decided to remind everyone why he’s a hometown favorite (and why the rest of us should probably just stick to the driving range).
Scheffler’s Sizzling Start
Scottie Scheffler, the pride of Texas and, apparently, the unofficial mayor of TPC Craig Ranch, came out swinging with a flawless 10-under-par 61. Let’s just say, if this was bowling, he’d already have a turkey, a spare, and three strikes in the bag. Scheffler’s round featured eight birdies, one glorious eagle, and absolutely zero bogeys. Not one. Most of us can’t go three holes without a double, and this guy didn’t have a single hiccup in 18. Unfair? Absolutely.
The highlight was his front-nine 29, which was so precise and confident it made the leaderboard look like his personal property. With this kind of performance, it’s no wonder the gallery was all smiles (and probably a few jealous groans). Now sitting two shots clear of the nearest competition, Scheffler is in prime position to snag his first trophy of the season.
The Chase Is On
While Scotty Boy led the way, a pack of determined challengers are hot on his heels. Rico Hoey and Jhonattan Vegas each fired blistering 8-under-par 63s to share second place. Hoey ended his round with an eagle on the 18th (chef’s kiss), while Vegas put on a clinic of consistent, steady golf.
Meanwhile, chaos reigns just one shot back, with a crowded leaderboard at 7-under 64. Among the hopefuls are big hitters like Cameron Champ, surprise standout Stephan Jaeger, and Michael Thorbjornsen, who you should not sleep on. Champ, in particular, stirred the pot after sneaking into the tournament last minute and then promptly crushing hopes and dreams with an impressive opener. It’s like showing up uninvited to a party and stealing the karaoke mic…but in a good way.
Players to Keep an Eye On
Of course, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, whose familiarity with TPC Craig Ranch makes him look like he designed the course himself. But he’s far from cruising to victory just yet.
- Cameron Champ: The last-minute addition is proving he’s not here to make up numbers. Expect fireworks if he keeps that momentum going.
- Michael Thorbjornsen and Eric Cole: Solid first-round showings have put them in striking distance. Cue the Rocky training montage because they’re coming for the frontrunners.
- Rico Hoey: If he plays more holes like that eagle on 18, he may torch the field by Sunday.
Struggles from the Field
Not everyone had the time of their life out there. Consider Jordan Spieth’s opening round, which landed him at 2-under-par. Sure, his iron play looked sharp, but inconsistency on the greens had him muttering things that probably can’t be aired on TV. He’s got some ground to make up, but if Spieth finds his rhythm, don’t be surprised if he sneaks back into contention.
On the struggle bus at full speed are amateurs Noah Kent and Bobby Massa, who carded 6-over and 5-over, respectively. Watching these two was a bit like watching your buddy slice one into the woods and then shout, “It’s playable!” Spoiler alert…it’s not. They have some serious work to do if they want to stick around past Friday.
Projected Cut Line Drama
The magic number to avoid packing up your clubs early? Around 3-under-par, give or take. If you’re sitting at even-par or worse, your tee time for Round 2 might also be your last for the week. No pressure, right?
What’s Next?
The weekend promises more drama, birdies, and probably the occasional snapped putter (hey, it’s golf). Can Scheffler keep riding the hometown mojo to victory? Will one of the chasers make a charge? And can we all agree to cheer a little louder when someone sinks a 50-footer?
Stay tuned, golfers. Round 2 is coming, and based on the leaderboard so far, it’s going to be one heck of a weekend.
