The odds speak volumes, and the message is clear: Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson as the overwhelming favorite. What's unfolding before our eyes isn't just a regular tournament, but more of an exhibition for the golf giant from Texas. With opening odds around +150, the betting world clearly indicates who's in charge here. It's been since 2019 that someone has been so heavily favored.
Scheffler: The Hometown Hero Chasing Records
For anyone wondering why Scheffler is so dominant, they only need to look at the record books. He is the event's defending champion, having secured victory in 2025 with an incredible eight-stroke lead and a score of 31-under par. One phenomenal round after another, a feat only Scheffler seems capable of producing. Add to that the home advantage: TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, is practically his backyard. Even after a T14 at the recent PGA Championship, it's clear who the master of the green is here.
Who Dares Challenge the Titan?
The field at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, set to tee off on Thursday, May 21, 2026, is considered relatively thin. Many big names are taking a break after the PGA Championship. Nevertheless, some notable names appear on the odds boards. Si Woo Kim is a distant contender at +1250 to +1400, Jordan Spieth at +1600 to +2000, and even Brooks Koepka and Keith Mitchell are mere outsiders at +2250 to +3300. Aaron Rai, the freshly crowned PGA Championship winner, is also listed, but whether he will even swing a club after his Major triumph remains uncertain.
