Scottie Scheffler returns to TPC Craig Ranch this week looking to defend his title at the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and the world No. 1 will do so without several major contenders in the field. The PGA Tour event in McKinney, Texas, comes just days after the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, where multiple top players endured a demanding week before deciding to skip the $10.3 million tournament.
Scheffler dominated last year’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson, finishing at 31-under-par on his way to victory in his home state. This year’s tournament has also drawn names such as Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, and Si Woo Kim, but three high-profile withdrawals have significantly changed the field heading into the opening round.
Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, and Cameron Young all chose not to compete this week after previously being linked to the event. Their absences remove three of the most in-form players on the PGA Tour from Scheffler’s path.
Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai and Cameron Young Withdraw From PGA Tour Event
GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland
Rory McIlroy had originally been expected to tee it up at TPC Craig Ranch before deciding to take time off following the PGA Championship. The world No. 2 revealed before the major that he had been dealing with a foot issue.
“I’ve got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it’s underneath my nail,” McIlroy told reporters before the PGA Championship. “I can’t really get to it, so it’s a little sore. But I’ll be all right.”
After the tournament, McIlroy confirmed he would step away from competition for a short period before returning at the Memorial Tournament.
“I’m going to take a couple weeks off, and then Memorial will be my next one,” McIlroy said.
PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai also withdrew after his breakthrough victory at Aronimink Golf Club. Rai captured the Wanamaker Trophy by three shots and became the first English player since Jim Barnes in 1919 to win the event. He also became the first international winner since Jason Day in 2015.
Rai produced rounds of 70, 69, 67, and 65 to complete one of the strongest performances of the season. After the demanding week, the English golfer opted to skip the CJ Cup Byron Nelson despite initially confirming his participation.
Cameron Young also decided not to play this week after a busy stretch on the PGA Tour. Young has already won twice this season, including victories at The PLAYERS Championship and the Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral.
The 29-year-old has climbed to the top of the FedEx Cup standings after an impressive start to 2026. However, after three consecutive weeks of competition, Young chose to take a break rather than compete in Texas.
Scottie Scheffler Headlines Field at Renovated TPC Craig Ranch
GettyScottie Scheffler of the United States
Scheffler enters the week as the clear betting favorite at DraftKings, listed at +168 ahead of Si Woo Kim, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka. The tournament also marks the debut of a renovated TPC Craig Ranch after a reported $22 million redesign aimed at making the course more challenging.
The changes include repositioned fairway bunkers, increased exposure to Rowlett Creek, and brand-new greens. TPC Craig Ranch had previously been regarded as one of the easiest courses on the PGA Tour schedule.
Despite the renovations, Scheffler remains the player to beat after his dominant performance at the venue last year.
Si Woo Kim enters the week with a strong recent course history, including a runner-up finish in 2023. Kim is ranked among the PGA Tour leaders in driving accuracy and proximity to the hole this season.
Jordan Spieth also returns to compete in his home state after recent improvements in his ball-striking form. Brooks Koepka, meanwhile, continues searching for consistency with the putter despite strong approach-play numbers throughout the season.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson officially began Thursday at TPC Craig Ranch as Scheffler attempts to secure another victory in front of a home-state crowd while several top rivals remain absent from the field.
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