Translation result. 
[Sports Seoul | McKinney, Texas = Jang Kang-hoon] At 33°C (about 92°F) with heavy humidity and gusting winds, organizers would have little ground to cancel play. The conditions felt like typhoon season—something significant could be brewing.
I’m talking about the PGA Tour’s The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, hosted at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, with a $10.3 million purse (approximately 13.7 billion KRW). Craig Ranch just completed a $22 million course renovation (approximately 29.3 billion KRW) and is hustling to get ready for the week. On the 19th players will hit the official practice round, and on the 20th a pro-am will raise funds for local mental-health services.
With the tournament imminent, the window for final preparations is tight. TPC Craig Ranch hummed with the quiet urgency of the calm before a storm.
This year’s field brings major storylines, chief among them the showdown between “Team CJ” and “Team Byron Nelson.” On paper, Team Byron Nelson holds the star power advantage, featuring the world No. 1 and major champions. Scottie Scheffler—who grew up playing junior golf at Craig Ranch—heads that group, joined by Jordan Spieth and Wyndham Clark. Scheffler arrives chasing a successful title defense.
All three are alumni of the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award, underscoring that this is more than just a shared venue—it’s a continuation of Byron Nelson’s legacy. Spieth won the award in 2010; Clark and Scheffler in 2012 and 2014, respectively. It’s a literal homecoming for those once-touted juniors.
Team CJ is dialing in precision. Most of the PGA Tour players on that side wear the CJ logo. Leading the Korean contingent are Kim Si-woo, Im Sung-jae and Lee Kyoung-hoon, along with KPGA standout Bae Yong-jun. Kim has made the cut in every start this season and has recorded six top-10 finishes—by far the most consistent performer so far.
Im has bounced back from injury and regained form, riding momentum from a T5 at the Truist Championship and aiming for a title rather than just a solid finish. Lee, who missed last year with a back injury, is fine-tuning his game to extend the winning form he showed before his absence.
The rivalry draws world-class talent. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka headlines the list, while Kim Joo-hyung—who recently bought a home near the course—will be looking for any opening. Veterans like Matt Kuchar and Tony Finau add depth, and Japan’s “Prince” Keita Nakajima will test himself on the PGA Tour stage.
The big variable is the weather. Forecasts call for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds beginning the day before the opener. On our visit it was humid and windy but still dry. Texas weather doesn’t always follow the forecast, but the winds are a real factor. A single tee shot or approach—and the right club choice—could reshuffle the leaderboard.
Off the course, CJ is going for a branding victory. The “House of CJ” will showcase K‑lifestyle elements—from Bibigo Players Dining to CJ Olive Young’s K‑beauty experience zones—aiming to make an impression beyond the scoreboard. The wind blows and the sky keeps changing, but preparations for the festival have not slowed. zzang@sportsseoul.com
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