Scottie Scheffler found it difficult to hold back his emotions following his triumph at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament on Sunday, May 4, 2025. In a post-game interview with CBS’ Amanda Balionis, the World No. 1 was visibly moved, struggling to hold back tears. Once he regained his composure, Scheffler emphasized the importance of his win, dedicating his success to his wife, Meredith. “This tournament brings up a lot of emotions,” Scheffler remarked.
Scheffler, overwhelmed with emotion after his Sunday victory, remarked, “I’ve been attending this tournament since I was a kid. It was my first PGA Tour start when I was in high school. The girl I was dating back then is now my wife. We have a son. My sister was my caddie back then, and she was here today too. She has two children now. Having my entire family here made it an incredibly special moment, and sometimes it all just hits me at once.”
Setting a historical benchmark, Scheffler equaled the PGA Tour 72-hole scoring record of 253, a record also held by Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg. He finished the tournament at an impressive 31-under par, marking his 14th career victory on the PGA Tour and surpassing fellow American Jordan Spieth on the all-time list.
“To be honest, I never imagined reaching this point. I always dreamt of playing on the PGA Tour,” Scheffler shared, reflecting on his journey. His superiority was evident as he finished eight shots ahead of his closest competitor, Erik van Rooyen. This victory held extra significance as it occurred in what Scheffler considers his hometown.
Despite being born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Scheffler moved to Dallas, Texas with his family at the age of six. He was raised in the area and attended Highland Park High School in Dallas. “I used to come to this driving range as a kid and watch these professionals practice with their brand-new range balls,” he reminisced about his childhood visits to the tournament. This victory was a true homecoming for the top-ranked golfer in the world.
“All I ever wanted was to come out here, play on a beautifully maintained golf course, and compete against the best players in the world,” he explained, showcasing his passion for the game. The depth of emotion from winning in front of his family and childhood friends was clear in his remarks following the victory.
After his record-setting performance, Scheffler plans to skip next week’s Truist Championship. This break will serve as preparation for the upcoming major tournament, the PGA Championship, where he is considered a favorite given his outstanding performance in the 2025 season.
In other news from the tournament, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts donated $3,000 to both the Chahta Foundation and the Momentous Institute during the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, TX. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, held annually in May at TPC Craig Ranch.
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, a sponsor of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, raised the funds through Choctaw Club hat sales during the tournament. The Salesmanship Club, the tournament organizer, sold the hats, with 100 percent of the profits going towards the charities. “Being able to give back to not only our own community but the communities of our partners is incredibly important to us,” said Heidi Grant, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Senior Executive Officer.
The Chahta Foundation, which provides scholarships to Choctaw tribal members, was a key beneficiary. In 2024, 15 recipients were awarded $10,000 scholarships for students majoring in degree fields that align with the hospitality and gaming industry. With the recent $3,000 donation, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has now raised over $555,000 for the Chahta Foundation since 2023.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson’s charity of choice was the Momentous Institute, which focuses on the mental health of Dallas youth and strengthening families. “The Choctaw Club is amazing,” said Dr. Jennifer Gomez of the Momentous Institute. “It’s not only a great place to come hang out, but it helps support year-round mental health programs and education for our Dallas community through the Momentous Institute.”
As the tournament concluded, the focus will now shift to the upcoming PGA Championship, where Scheffler, along with other top contenders like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, will vie for the prestigious title. With the excitement building, fans eagerly await to see if Scheffler can continue his dominant form and add another major trophy to his collection.
