The world’s top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler returns to Texas this week hoping to capture back-to-back victories at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Last year’s tournament saw Scheffler dominate from start to finish, opening with a spectacular 61 in the opening round followed by matching 63s in rounds two and four. The 29-year-old Dallas resident cruised to an eight-stroke triumph while establishing both a tournament record and matching the PGA Tour record with his impressive 31-under par total of 253.
“Yeah, definitely good memories from last year,” Scheffler commented Wednesday, just one day prior to this year’s tournament beginning at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
“I had a really nice week, just played a lot of really solid golf. I was fortunate to be the winner at the end of the week.
“In terms of just getting ready for this week, it was nice to have a home week, especially coming off a major championship. Got some rest Monday, did some practice at Royal Oaks yesterday, Pro-Am today, and go home and get some rest and get ready for an early one tomorrow.”
This tournament holds special significance for Scheffler, as it marked his PGA Tour debut back in 2014. Over the years, he has refined his skills to reach his current status as the world’s premier golfer.
This year’s event features a dramatically transformed venue following a $25 million renovation project overseen by World Golf Hall of Fame member Lanny Wadkins.
“I actually came up and played the course a few weeks ago,” Scheffler explained. “I think tee-to-green it is definitely better than what it was before. I think it’s a more interesting test. The greens have added a significant amount of slope to them, and some are a bit aggressive, but overall I think (Wadkins) did a really good job of creating some nice pin locations, and you definitely have to think your way around this place a lot more than you did before.”
Scheffler enters this week’s competition seeking redemption after struggling with his putting during last weekend’s PGA Championship, where he finished tied for 14th place.
“Yeah, I think — I guess just putting specific … you kind of just go through ebbs and flows, and putting is something, especially when you’re putting in wind and on greens without much slope, there’s going to be variants and how things are going,” he explained.
“Overall, I feel like I’m in a good spot. I’ve actually putted the best that I have in my career so far this year and just kind of get a reset, get on some new greens, work on my reads, make sure I’m checking all my fundamentals.”
