The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has changed a lot over the past few years. In 2024, it was all about aggressive play and birdies. Players could take risks and aim for low scores. But last year, things shifted. The course got longer, and Scottie Scheffler dominated with his iron play, winning by eight strokes.
Now, in 2026, the course has undergone another makeover. Designers reworked the greens, tightened the fairways, added bunkers, and made the finishing holes tougher, especially against the wind. The goal? Move away from the previous low-scoring shootouts.
This week, I’m focusing on players with strong ball-striking skills who can handle the redesigned greens. However, there’s a twist: the new bentgrass greens mean everyone is starting from scratch. This could lead to unpredictable putting results.
Best Bets
How to Bet Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler stands out as the best player in the field. He’s at the top of almost every key metric and has a course record that speaks for itself. His performance is consistently high, making him the favorite this week. Instead of betting on a top-5 finish, which can be risky in golf due to its unpredictability, consider placing an outright bet on him.
Brooks Koepka Top 20 (+102)
Koepka is known for his potential. He’s ranked high for both approach shots and overall play. His recent performance shows he’s in good form, gaining significant strokes with his irons. While his putting might hold him back a bit, he has a solid chance for a top-20 finish.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout Top 20 (+188)
This bet is a bit unconventional. Bezuidenhout excels at putting and has shown great form recently. With the new greens adding uncertainty, his putting skills could really shine. He’s proven he can gain strokes and finish strong, making him a solid pick for a top-20 finish.
Ryo Hisatsune Top 20 (+142)
Hisatsune has a lot of potential. His recent performances have been impressive, with solid iron play leading to birdie opportunities. He might have some ups and downs, but that makes him interesting for placement bets and potentially even for the first-round lead.
Daily Fantasy Picks
Play: Austin Eckroat ($7,500)
Eckroat’s recent play shows he can handle tougher courses like Craig Ranch. His strong finish at Valero indicates he can keep pace in a lower-scoring event. If he finds fairways consistently, he could be a strong contender.
Play: Blades Brown ($7,800)
Brown has shown he can excel at crucial moments. His previous finishes indicate high upside potential. While he might not be the most consistent, if he performs well, he could provide good value for daily fantasy players.
Fade: Wyndham Clark ($8,800)
Clark has struggled recently, missing cuts and losing strokes off the tee. With inconsistent putting and multiple missed cuts in his last few events, he might not be worth the investment at this price point. It’s better to choose a player with a more reliable track record.
As the tournament approaches, keep an eye on player performances and course conditions. It’s a dynamic environment where anything can happen.
