The PGA Tour returns to Texas this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, near Dallas, where world No.1 Scottie Scheffler will bid for victory in his adopted home state.
After claiming nine worldwide wins in 2024, Scheffler is yet to get his hands on a trophy this season, but he’s been knocking on the door, finishing second at the Houston Open, fourth at the Masters when not at his best and eighth at the RBC Heritage in his last three starts.
Born in New Jersey but raised in Texas, Scheffler made his first PGA Tour start at the 2014 Byron Nelson, finishing 22nd as a 17-year-old, and he will be eager to lift the Craig Ranch title.
A 7,468-yard par-72 designed by Tom Weiskopf, Craig Ranch has hosted this tournament since 2021. The course has proven to be easy pickings for the PGA Tour professionals with 72-hole scores of -25, -26 and -23 (twice) getting the job done.
With rain softening the fairways in the build-up to this year’s event, it makes sense to focus on powerhouses who putt well.
CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf betting tips
- Outright winner – Ryan Gerard @ 55/1 with bet365
- Outright winner – Davis Riley @ 80/1 with Betfred
- Outright winner – Matt McCarty @ 100/1 with Unibet
In-form Gerard can upstage big guns
Only two of the world’s top 35 are in the field at the Byron Nelson this week and that means that Scheffler is unquestionably the man to beat. However, his odds are prohibitive and he tends to represent a better betting proposition on tougher layouts.
Instead, this looks to be a week to go hunting for bigger prices and in-form Ryan Gerard is one who stands out at healthy each-way odds.
Gerard has had a solid season and he’s really stepped up a gear over the last month, finishing ninth at the Houston Open, second at the Texas Open, 27th at the Heritage and 12th in last week’s Zurich Classic pairs event alongside Danny Walker.
A precise iron-player who putts well, Gerard missed the cut on his sole Byron Nelson start in 2023 but he’s undoubtedly playing better than ever for this second attempt.
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Tip 1: Ryan Gerard @ 55/1 with bet365
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Talented Riley finding top form again
The second of Davis Riley’s two PGA Tour titles came in Texas, at last year’s Charles Schwab Challenge and the 28-year-old appears to have hit form ahead of another crack at the Byron Nelson.
Riley finished ninth at Craig Ranch in 2022 and 30th last year. He approaches this season’s edition of the tournament on the back of a number of eye-catching efforts – he was sixth in Puerto Rico, seventh at the Valspar and an excellent 21st on his Masters debut.
He has the power to cope with a rain-softened venue and has been putting well all season.
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Tip 2: Davis Riley @ 80/1 with Betfred
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McCarty should build on Masters effort
Like Riley, Matt McCarty impressed on his Masters debut, contending for a long way before fading into a share of 14th place, and his blend of accurate iron-play and rock-solid putting could help him post plenty of birdies at Craig Ranch.
McCarty won three titles on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, then captured the Black Desert Championship following his promotion to the PGA Tour. More success could be coming his way on Sunday.
CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Tip 3: Matt McCarty @ 100/1 with Unibet
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