Scheffler, Spieth Linked Again at Nelson

While the CJ Cup Byron Nelson has changed its name and location several times in recent years, one source of consistency has been the title eluding some of golf’s top Dallas-based standouts.

Major champions Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth are both back in the field for the PGA Tour event beginning Thursday at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, looking to hoist the trophy on the 18th green for the first time.

Scheffler, the former Highland Park superstar and the top-ranked player in the world, is playing the tournament for the sixth time. He missed the Nelson last year because of the birth of his son, Bennett.

He will look for his first tournament victory since his historic 2024 season, when he won seven times in 19 starts, including the Masters, an Olympic gold medal, and the Tour Championship. Scheffler tied for fifth in his most recent Nelson appearance in 2023.

Meanwhile, it’s been 15 years since Spieth made his Nelson debut as a Jesuit Dallas junior in 2010. Having recovered from a wrist injury, the Preston Hollow resident will be making his 13th start at his hometown event.

The three-time major winner has seen his best results at the Nelson since the event moved to its current home in 2021. Spieth, 31, was the runner-up in 2022 but withdrew with an injury in 2023 and missed the cut last year.

Scheffler and Spieth will be paired together in the opening two rounds at the Nelson for the second time, which should attract huge galleries each day.

“The tournament has been great to me over the years, so it’s good to be back here supporting this event. I’m excited to be playing at home for sure,” Scheffler said. “Playing with Jordan here will be really fun.”

The third member of their group is Si Woo Kim, a South Korea native who now lives in Preston Hollow and shares a home course with Scheffler at Royal Oaks Country Club.

Another prominent name in the field is Tom Kim, a 22-year-old phenom who likewise hails from Korea and is now neighbors with Si Woo Kim. Tom Kim finished in the top 20 in his Nelson debut as a teenager in 2022.

The tournament, hosted annually by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, will again feature a handful of former SMU players on the course. The ex-Mustangs include Harry Higgs, Mac Meissner, and Noah Goodwin.

Will Zalatoris, who lives in Dallas and graduated from Trinity Christian, was a late withdrawal from the event due to injury.