Scottie Scheffler dominated the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas, securing his first victory of the year with a stunning performance that saw him finish at 31 under par. The world number one carded an impressive eight-under-par 63 in the final round, solidifying his lead throughout the tournament and ultimately claiming an eight-shot victory over South Africa's Erik van Rooyen.
On May 4, 2025, Scheffler's remarkable play not only earned him the title but also allowed him to equal the record for the lowest 72-hole score in PGA Tour history, finishing the tournament with a total of 253 strokes. This victory marks the 14th title of Scheffler's career, a testament to his skill and determination on the course.
Playing in front of a supportive hometown crowd, Scheffler expressed his joy after the win, stating, "I was inspired and very fortunate to be in that position. I played some good golf and kept myself in a good position all week." His victory was especially poignant as he was greeted by his wife Meredith and their baby son, Bennett, immediately after he finished his round.
Van Rooyen, who also delivered a strong performance by shooting a final round of 63, finished the tournament at 23 under par. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to close the gap on Scheffler, who had started the day with an eight-stroke lead.
Jordan Spieth, another local favorite, tied his personal best on the PGA Tour with a final round of 62, finishing in fourth place at 19 under. Spieth’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging tournament for him, as he reflected on the day's play, saying, "It would have been really cool if I were the one in that last group, and at least we were going back and forth a little. That would have been pretty fun, just being hometown players."
The tournament had its share of challenges, including a weather-related interruption on Friday, but Scheffler's consistency shone through. He began the final round with a front-nine score of 30, which included five birdies, a bogey, and an eagle on the ninth hole. As he moved into record territory with birdies on holes 11, 14, and 15, the anticipation built among fans, who hoped to see him break the PGA Tour record for fewest strokes in a tournament.
However, a rare blemish came on the 17th hole, where Scheffler found himself in the rough off the tee. After a chip shot that rolled back off the green, he settled for a bogey, missing the opportunity to break the record outright. He attempted to seal his name in history with an eight-foot birdie putt on the 18th but unfortunately missed, leaving him to share the record set by Justin Thomas at the 2017 Sony Open and matched by Ludvig Åberg at the RSM Classic six years later.
This victory is particularly significant for Scheffler, who missed last year's event due to the birth of his son. He became the first wire-to-wire winner of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson since Tom Watson achieved the feat 45 years ago. Reflecting on his journey, Scheffler said, "It seemed like I played some good golf. I kept myself in position most of the week. I'm very thankful for that. I learned a lot that week, and I was very inspired to come out here and try to make a living in this game."
Looking ahead, Scheffler's victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson sets him up nicely as he prepares for the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, scheduled to take place from May 15-18. His performance this weekend has certainly put him in a strong position as he aims for further success in the season.
As the tournament concluded, the leaderboard showcased a tight race among several golfers. Sam Stevens finished in third place at 20 under, while a group of eight golfers, including Sam Burns, Mark Hubbard, Will Gordon, Eric Cole, Kurt Kitayama, Ricky Castillo, Adam Schenk, and Takumi Kanaya, tied for fifth place, each finishing at 17 under par.
In summary, Scottie Scheffler's commanding performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson not only secured him his first win of the year but also etched his name in the record books with a historic score. With the PGA Championship on the horizon, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he continues to showcase his exceptional talent on the golf course.
