McKINNEY — Before Lanny Wadkins is through with his facelift of TPC Craig Ranch early this fall, he predicts the track for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson will be better than Trinity Forest, better than TPC at Four Seasons, better than the Las Colinas Sports Club.
Better than Preston Trail?
“Better than all of ‘em,” said Wadkins, winner at Preston Trail in ‘73.
What with Invited, formerly known as Club Corp, investing a company-record $22 million in the redo of a single property, and the CJ Group, one of the PGA Tour’s premier sponsors, on board for 10 years, promising amenities even a golf-hater would love, Nelson officials hope it’ll be enough to pack the place for years to come.
Because, after all that’s done, there’s not much more they can do to return the tournament to the level of its glory years.
Once a new deal with Craig Ranch is signed, the Nelson won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Chances are the tournament won’t ever be elevated to one of the Tour’s Signature events, which pay more than twice what the Nelson shells out.
The date will always come in late spring, one of the most compressed sections of the schedule, when there’s only so much golf a guy can play.
Meaning the Nelson probably will draw no more than a half-dozen or so of the world’s top 50 players, as it did last year and will again this week.
“We would love to have 150 of the top 150 players in the world here,” said Jon Drago, the Nelson’s tournament director, “but our job is to make sure that we’ve created something that people want to come watch regardless of who’s playing.”
Judging by the improvements around the course already, as well as the, uh, interesting concepts implemented by The CJ Group, they’ve done a remarkable job. The amenities of the stadium seating on the signature par-3 17th have been augmented and refined. The Choctaw Club — Craig Ranch’s civilized answer to the bawdy, bygone Pavilion days — is far from the only place to lift your spirits. You can hardly swing a TaylorMade without hitting a bartender out here.
From just about any position on the course, the view is better than it was at some of the Nelson’s previous haunts, like the Four Seasons, where it was a hike just to watch a few holes.
“Go stand over there by the 10 or 11 green,” Drago said, looking out past a tent. “You can just kind of go in a circle. You can watch them go up 10, then they’ll come back down to 12, then they’ll come back down when they get to 14, come back at you when they get to 16.
“And then you’re at the signature hole at 17. So, yeah, from that standpoint, it is really a good spectator golf course.”
Wadkins, who’s lived here since 1978, knows a little about the state’s golf topography. He’s partial to Preston Trail, calling it “a very, very, very special place.” But Craig Ranch is “just a better piece of ground.” One of the best in the state, he said. The rugged limestone banks of Rowlett Creek smile back at golfers after Invited spent a million bucks on the cleaning.
The aesthetics are also enhanced by the lack of discernible civilization outside tents.
“They’ve got homes here, but you don’t really see them,” Wadkins said. “At Las Colinas, you can smell what they’re cooking. Some lady comes out in her pajamas to see what’s going on.
“‘Can I have a cup of coffee, please? Two sugars.’”
The mystery of Craig Ranch has appealed to Wadkins since his oldest son, Travis, went through qualifying school here early in the last decade. It was in November. Lanny bundled up against the elements just to watch. Yet, in four days, Travis made 18 birdies and an eagle. His dad didn’t understand how a course so big could yield such results.
The theme has held. Two years ago, Craig Ranch was the second-easiest par-71 course on the Tour. Last year, it was the easiest.
Wadkins has made it a little hairier this week by over-seeding. Cut the rough to four inches Tuesday.
“And that is a thick four inches,” Wadkins said. “If it rains, you’ll hear the grass growing Thursday.”
If it’s the Nelson, it’s raining.
Once the tournament is over and it dries out, the redo will start. The bulldozers are already idling. They’ll strip the flooring everywhere. Stadium zoysia in the fairways, TifTuf in the rough, Triple Seven bentgrass on the greens. There’ll be fewer bunkers, and those that remain will be more difficult.
Wadkins, who’s never lacked confidence or vision, didn’t solicit the advice of any Tour players, but he got some anyway from Jordan Spieth.
“Just make sure the greens are firm,” he told him.
Not only is Byron Nelson’s namesake tournament lucky to have someone like Wadkins in charge of ensuring its legacy, it’s fortunate to have some of the Tour’s best and youngest in its own back yard. Hopefully the likes of Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris and Tom Kim will lend prestige to this tournament for years to come.
Can it once again reach the level it did in the late ‘90s, when Tiger inspired roars from the gallery? Probably not. But it can still be a fun tournament in a lovely setting. If that’s as good as it gets, maybe that’s enough.
The Dallas Morning News provides extensive coverage of golf, including the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. For more information on the tournament, including schedules, scores, and news, visit the newspaper’s website.
Other sports news can also be found on the website, including coverage of the Texas Rangers and other local teams.
In addition to sports news, The Dallas Morning News also provides coverage of local events, including concerts, festivals, and more.
For those interested in learning more about the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the tournament’s website provides a wealth of information, including ticket sales, volunteer opportunities, and sponsorship information.
The tournament’s social media accounts are also a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates, as well as to connect with other fans and players.
Overall, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson is a premier golf tournament that offers something for everyone, from exciting golf action to entertainment and community events.
Conclusion:
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is a world-class golf tournament that has been a staple of the Dallas sports scene for decades. With its rich history, exciting golf action, and commitment to charitable giving, it’s an event that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a sports fan, or just looking for a fun and entertaining experience, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson is an event not to be missed.
FAQs:
Q: When and where is the CJ Cup Byron Nelson?
A: The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is held annually at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, typically in late spring.
Q: Who are some of the top players competing in the tournament?
A: The tournament features a field of top PGA Tour players, including past champions and current stars like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and Will Zalatoris.
Q: What are some of the amenities and activities available at the tournament?
A: The tournament offers a range of amenities and activities, including stadium seating, concession stands, and entertainment options like the Choctaw Club.
Q: How can I purchase tickets to the tournament?
