Golf
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Preview: Return of the Mack
The 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, set to take place at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, promises another thrilling week of action as we build momentum toward the next major.
This event has quickly established itself as a key stop on the PGA Tour calendar, often producing birdie-fests and exciting low scores.
TPC Craig Ranch is a player-friendly course where low scores are expected. The par-71, 7,450-yard track rewards aggressive play, particularly on its gettable par 5s and driveable par 4s. Wide fairways encourage players to pull out the driver and attack, but strategic approach shots and sharp putting are critical to capitalise on scoring chances.
Our PGA Tour tips have been in good form lately, with Keith Mitchell and J.T. Poston finishing in the top 20 at the Zurich Classic. Let’s keep the momentum rolling into another big week in Texas.
Mackenzie Hughes – 33/1
Our first pick for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson is Canadian standout Mackenzie Hughes. A proven winner on Tour with two career titles, Hughes will have confidence knowing he’s capable of producing a round TPC Craig Ranch, carding a 7-under par in last year’s final round.
So far this season, Hughes has finished T36 at the Valspar Championship but followed it up with a tenth-place finish at the Houston Open. He then went seven better to finish T3 at the RBC Heritage, proving his trending game.
TPC Craig Ranch has been kind to streaky players in the past, and Hughes is exactly that — capable of stringing together birdies in bunches when he finds his rhythm. Don’t be surprised if he’s contending deep into the weekend.
Rasmus Højgaard – 40/1
Our second pick to make waves at TPC Craig Ranch is Danish talent Rasmus Højgaard. The 23-year-old has already made a name for himself on the DP World Tour, and after a string of strong results in co-sanctioned PGA Tour events, he’s looking more and more comfortable on American soil.
Højgaard arrives in Texas on the back of a second-place finish at the Zurich Classic, playing alongside his twin, Nicolai, which included an impressive 59 in the first round. Solid finishes of T32 at the Masters and Texas Children’s Houston Open put him in good stead coming into this week.
Rasmus has quietly pieced together one of the more consistent spring runs among international players. Known for his powerful driving and confident ball-striking, he’s well suited to the wide fairways and scoreable par 5s at Craig Ranch.
With five international career wins and a fearless approach to attacking pins, Rasmus has the game to contend on a layout where going low is essential. This week’s slightly weaker field could open the door for a breakout PGA Tour victory — and we think the Dane is ready to walk through it.
