Is this year’s CJ CUP Byron Nelson seeing a player exodus? With a $9.9 million purse, the 2025 CJ CUP Byron Nelson is one of the PGA Tour’s main tournaments and is currently taking place at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Despite having a strong field that includes world number one Scottie Scheffler, a string of high-profile withdrawals has prompted curiosity and raised eyebrows.
These sudden withdrawals have changed the competitive environment and raised concerns about the fundamental causes of player engagement. Despite these alterations, the tournament still has a lineup that includes Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Taylor Pendrith, the reigning champion. But the question is, what exactly is driving this sudden wave of exits before tee-off? Let’s break down the growing list of absentees.
What’s behind the CJ CUP Byron Nelson dropouts?
This year’s CJ CUP Byron Nelson has witnessed an unexpectedly high number of withdrawals, with several players discontinuing their participation just days before the competition started. A formidable competitor, Matt Wallace, pulled out because of a neck issue. PGA Tour Communications posted the following on X: “Matt Wallace (neck) is a WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.” In the past, Wallace has described his shoulder problems, stating that he “hurt [his] shoulder just over playing and then slept on it funny,” necessitating a three-week rest period for recovery.
Matt Wallace (neck) is a WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 2, 2025
Will Zalatoris was also pulled out, and according to PGA Tour Communications, “Will Zalatoris WD from the CJ CUP Byron Nelson is replaced by Nick Watney.” After undergoing back surgery in 2023, Zalatoris has meticulously monitored his schedule, albeit no particular explanation was given. Among the other prominent absences are Blades Brown, Joe Highsmith, Michael Kim, Nick Dunlap, Blades Snedeker, Blades Mitchell, Keith Mitchell, and Gary Woodland. His withdrawal rounds off the list. Various factors, including injury, personal obligations, and calculated scheduling choices before the PGA Championship, have contributed to these withdrawals.
These withdrawals have unavoidably affected the tournament’s dynamics, rearranging the competitive field and creating openings for other players. Even if the precise causes of each withdrawal vary, the overall impact has changed the tournament’s environment significantly and sparked conversations about PGA Tour player workload and scheduling. While many players bow out, one local favorite is charging forward, determined to turn hometown advantage into victory. Let’s dig deeper into this player!
Scottie Scheffler Eyes First Byron Nelson Title
World number one Scottie Scheffler is taking a serious approach to winning his first CJ CUP Byron Nelson championship when he returns to his home state. With a personal connection to the tournament, Scheffler made his PGA Tour debut at this event when he was just 17 years old. At the age of 28, he hopes to benefit from his familiarity with TPC Craig Ranch and the encouragement of local supporters.
Scheffler has led the tournament following an outstanding first round of 10-under-par 61, his best showing in a difficult season thus far. Although he hasn’t won yet this season, his steady play—five top-10 finishes in eight starts—indicates that a victory might be on the horizon. Scheffler keeps his eyes on the here and now, dismissing pressure and goals like finishing the career Grand Slam.
The world No.1 is utilizing the CJ CUP Byron Nelson as a launching pad to gain momentum ahead of the May 15 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. This might be his first victory breakthrough in 2025 since his stellar 2024 season. As the competition continues, everyone will watch Scheffler to see if he can win his first Byron Nelson championship and establish the tone for the remainder of the season.
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