CJ Cup Byron Nelson Predictions and Best Bets

CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Preview

CJ Cup Byron Nelson picks from WagerTalk golf handicapper Andy Lang are available before golfers tee off from TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, TX! Andy discusses his predictions, picks, who can trip you up, the course and more surrounding the CJ Cup Byron Nelson starting May 14!

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CJ Cup Byron Nelson	CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Notes
When:	May 21-24
Where:	TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, TX
Defending Champ:	Scottie Scheffler
Current Favorite:	Scottie Scheffler (+168 at DraftKings)
TV:	CBS, ESPN, ESPN+, Paramount+

CJ Cup Byron Nelson Course: TPC Craig Ranch

The 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson returns to TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, a course that has quickly developed a reputation as one of the most scoreable stops on the PGA Tour.

Originally designed by Tom Weiskopf with consultation from former PGA Tour player D.A. Weibring, the layout winds through rolling terrain, mature trees, and the limestone-lined banks of Rowlett Creek, which comes into play throughout the round. Even with recent renovations, this remains a course where birdies and eagles are expected.

A major restoration led by Lanny Watkins has continued into 2026, bringing significant changes to the course. Yardage has been reduced from over 7,560 yards down to approximately 7,385 yards, while remaining a par 71.

The biggest adjustment comes at the finish, where the former par-5 18th has been converted into a demanding 480-yard par-4, leaving the 12th hole as the only par-5 on the back nine.

New 777 Bentgrass greens have been installed to better handle the Texas heat, while Stadium Zoysia fairways and upgraded Bermudagrass rough should create firmer, cleaner playing conditions.

Despite the changes, TPC Craig Ranch still looks like a course where aggressive players can go low. The front nine remains packed with scoring chances, featuring several short par-4s and reachable par-5s that invite attack-minded golf.

Water hazards and tighter fairways add some strategy, but unless the new greens dramatically increase difficulty, expect another week where players push deep into the 20-under-par range.

This remains a modern PGA Tour birdie fest where elite iron play and hot putting can quickly separate contenders from the field.

CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Players That Can Trip You Up

Pierceson Coody is getting far too much respect in the market this week. He missed the cut last week, and over his last 10 tournaments he’s posted 3 missed cuts, 1 withdrawal, and zero Top 15 finishes. The short game is a major concern, with awful around-the-green numbers and only average putting to bail him out.

He also finished just 25th here last year, so there’s no elite course history to lean on. Being priced as the 6th-highest favorite feels completely disconnected from reality.

Jordan Spieth continues to be overpriced based on reputation more than results. He still doesn’t have a Top 10 finish at this event, despite a solid showing last year, and the course setup is a bit different now.

If this turns into a putting contest, his +0.18 strokes gained putting this season doesn’t exactly scream elite. More importantly, Spieth almost always has one loose round that knocks him out of contention.

To justify a Top 3 price, you need four complete rounds—and that’s tough to trust. Keith Mitchell being listed as a Top 5 favorite makes very little sense given the recent form.

His putting is below average compared to this field, and his last four finishes are ugly: 65th, 55th, 30th, and missed cut.

The course history doesn’t help either, with finishes of 20th and 76th in his last two appearances. There’s simply no combination of form, stats, or history that supports this number. Easy fade.

CJ Cup Byron Nelson: DraftKings Darlings

John Parry ($7,300) continues to be the DraftKings Darling of the season. He’s made every cut this year, consistently giving us weekend points and lineup stability.

While the stats don’t jump off the page, he’s already shown some upside with finishes of 31st and 8th in weaker-field, lower-scoring events similar to this setup. At this price, getting four rounds with a chance at a Top 20 is more than enough value.

Matthias Schmid ($7,500) might be one of the strangest profiles in the field, but the upside is undeniable.

Missing the cut at Myrtle Beach and then finishing 4th at the PGA Championship makes absolutely no sense—but it shows the ceiling is there.

Over the last three months, he ranks 14th in the field in total strokes gained, and he’s already posted finishes of 5th in Puerto Rico and 9th at the Cognizant Classic. At this salary, the volatility is worth embracing for the upside.

Blades Brown ($7,800) is a rising talent with real upside in weaker fields like this one. He’s made the cut in 5 of 6 PGA Tour starts and already has finishes of 3rd and 9th at Puerto Rico and Myrtle Beach—both easy-scoring setups that compare well to this event.

He’s also been playing excellent golf on the Korn Ferry Tour. Long off the tee with a hot putter, Brown has the tools to seriously outperform this salary.

Rest of Lineup: Eric Cole ($8,100), Davis Thompson ($9,200), Brooks Koepka ($9,600) — a balanced build with proven upside and enough scoring potential to compete in both cash games and GPPs.

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