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Making History In Wales
More than nine years ago, in a hotel conference room in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sir Terry Matthews was one very excited man. That day the serial entrepreneur with a Midas touch used the forum of his Canadian resort hotel and golf club – Brookstreet Resort and The Marshes Golf Course, to talk about his recent success in having his burgeoning Celtic Manor Resort in Wales named as the host facility for the 2010 Ryder Cup.
As far off as it was at the time Matthews knew EXACTLY what it would mean for himself and his native country. That’s because Matthews had been working on his Ryder Cup plan for nearly three decades.
Matthews, who was born in a farmhouse on the property his world-class Welsh resort now occupies, knew that to bring profile to any business project in diminutive Newport, Wales it would take a grand event. He also was keenly aware that the Olympics or a World Cup (soccer (football)) was certainly out of the question. Instead he focused on what was becoming one of the biggest sporting competitions in the world, The Ryder Cup.
With the plan to bring the Ryder Cup to his hometown he began the process of acquiring the land, building the resort and infrastructure, and bringing golf to life on a landscape ideally suited to the pursuit. By his side he had famed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones,Sr., and eventually his son Robert Trent Jones II, as talented and willing early collaborators. Subsequently the team from European Golf Design was brought in to create nine holes expressly for the purposes of the Ryder Cup, with Jones, II. still being consulted.
The elder Jones and Matthews had been introduced in Florida back in 1980 and formed a lasting friendship that would eventually lead to the development of Celtic Manor Resort and the Brookstreet Resort near Matthews’ Canadian home base. It was Jones who told Matthews what a great setting the Usk Valley would be for golf, sparking what would become a Welsh landmark.
This week, many, many millions of dollars later, the stage is set for the culmination of the nearly 30 year-old dream that should have a lasting impact on on Wales – across many sectors.
Matthews expects that the 50,000 people who will make their way to Celtic Manor in the next few days are the same people who will return again and again to enjoy the fine lodgings at Celtic Manor and play its 3 golf courses, including the Twenty Ten Course modified and shaped specifically for Ryder Cup action.
Some might call it one of the world’s most elaborate marketing campaigns but when the world catches site of Celtic Manor this week with the play of two competitive sides set against it, it should all make sense.
While the players and captains of this year’s respective United States and European Ryder Cup teams will likely not have thought about the event being played in Wales for as long as Sir Terry Matthews, their anticipation will likely be equal as they prepare for what are always matches that are historic in nature.
I’ll pass on the predictions on the outcome of the matches, although you can see some GolfWRX.com coverage on the topic by JB Audi here: http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/412955-ryder-cup-preview-and-predicitons/ , but for those unfamiliar with the Twenty Ten course layout (which most are) let’s take a look at some key holes. The canvas that these matches will be played on, especially with a set-up that is expected to vary daily, will undeniably be a factor in the results.
The Twenty Ten Course is unlike any other ever used to host the biennial battle for Samuel Ryder’s donated trophy. No other Ryder Cup venue was molded with the needs of players, spectators, and media in mind. At the same time its flexibility is perfectly suited to golf matches of the highest level.
Designed to be spectator friendly The Twenty Ten course presents many challenges to the golfer. Depending on the set-up varying lines of play could offer great rewards if successfully traversed. At the same time, those up to those challenges may suffer greatly in the form of lost holes.
Set on the floor of the Usk Valley with the Usk River flowing throughout, the Twenty Ten Course has nine holes plagued by water. At just under 7500 yards and playing to a par of 71, it has transformed immeasurably from its beginnings as the Wentwood Hills Course.
No hole can be more critical in a Ryder Cup then the very first. With hands shaking an early lead can set the tone for a match.
Hole #1 serves up a 465-yard par four that doglegs hard to the left. Nervous players will be sure to try and avoid the grouping of bunkers on the inside of the dogleg to ease their way into their first approach shot of the day. This is no easy warm-up hole and could instill either confidence or fear that may last the entirety of the day.
At 610 yards from the very back deck hole #2 is unlikely to be played at full length every day during the matches to afford some scoring opportunities. Even shortening the hole will not guarantee that it will be successfully reached in two as the green complex boasts ample movement in the surface, repelling less than perfect shots.
The 5th hole is one of the shorter par fours on the front side but it is speckled with danger courtesy of thick rough and water crossing in front of the green. Players will have to have keen focus on hitting this fairway in order to control their shots into the green.
The hole to follow will really test the early nerves with water playing down the whole of the right side. Don’t be surprised to see a player visit the drink here on their approach if the hole location is tucked to the right.
#9 will be a “go hole” for just about every player with the forward tee being put into play, making this par five that shortens in from a monstrous 666 yards to a more reasonable 580. Birdies will be a must with eagles fairly common through the 3 days of play.
As much as #9 will serve up under par scores, the 11th will be an even easier touch. The downhill par five of just 562 yards is protected by water on the left but routinely gives up eagles to the pros when the Celtic Manor Wales Open is played. This could be where a lot of matches swing.
That too, can be said of the 15th hole, likely the most dramatic test on the course and certainly the one that should generate the most banter. If matches reach this juncture expect to see some fireworks. Even European Captain Colin Montgomerie says the fairway is virtually obsolete as most players will avoid the circuitous route of 377 yards and take a more aggressive route across the dogleg, directly to the putting surface. Shots remembered for ages will be struck here this week.
Lastly, the course closes out with a par five which will also be shortened for the week. This will present the chance to finish up with a long drive and the task of reaching the green in two by way of an approach that must carry a pond at the front of the green. As evenly matched as the teams appear, we could see more than a few matches reach a conclusion here.
Thirty years of foresight and eight years of specific course work just for the Ryder Cup have now concluded and the set is ready for the biggest golf drama in Welsh history to play out.
It’s sure to be a compelling one.
This feature provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
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Morning 9: Tiger confirms playing schedule | Player: This caused Tiger’s downfall
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
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News
Vincenzi’s 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson betting preview: International talent to shine
As anticipation mounts for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla in a few weeks, the PGA Tour makes a pit stop in McKinney, Texas to play The CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Last year was the third time TPC Craig Ranch hosted the Byron Nelson. Prior to 2021, the event was held at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
TPC Craig Ranch is a 7,414-yard par-71 that features Bentgrass greens. The event historically plays relatively easy, and that has remained the case in the three editions at TPC Craig Ranch.
The course structure may provide some additional intrigue with the par-3 17th featuring a stadium setup called “Ranch 17” which is reminiscent of the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale. The course also has both long and difficult par-4s mixed with drivable par-4s, which should create some exciting moments.
There are 156 golfers in the field this week, and many stars will be taking the week off to prepare for 2023’s second major championship in a few weeks and a “signature event” at Quail Hollow next week. Notable players in the field include Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Sungjae Im, Stephan Jaeger, Tom Kim, Si Woo Kim, Min Woo Lee, Alex Noren, Adam Scott and Will Zalatoris.
Past Winners of the AT&T Byron Nelson
- 2023: Jason Day (-23 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2022: K.H. Lee (-26 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2021: K.H. Lee (-25 at TPC Craig Ranch)
- 2019: Sung Kang (-23)
- 2018: Aaron Wise (-23)
- 2017: Billy Horschel (-12)
- 2016: Sergio Garcia (-15)
- 2015: Steven Bowditch (-18)
Key Stats at TPC Craig Ranch
Let’s take a look at five key metrics for TPC Craig Ranch to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their last 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach remains the best measure of current form.
Hot iron play will be at a premium this week. Last year, Jason Day gained 6.4 strokes on approach, which was fourth in the field. In 2022, K.H. Lee was ninth in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, gaining 5.2 strokes. In his 2021 victory, he was second in the field and gained 8.3 strokes on the field in the category.
Strokes Gaines: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Tom Hoge (+1.12)
- Keith Mitchell (+1.02)
- Henrik Norlander (+0.99)
- Ryan Moore (+0.98)
- Ben Martin (0.80)
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Fairways are wide at TPC Craig Ranch.
Distance will certainly be helpful, and there aren’t too many difficult holes on the course. Golfers who put themselves in position off of the tee this week should have a sizable advantage.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds
- Peter Kuest (+0.93)
- Kevin Daugherty (+0.91)
- Alejandro Tosti (+0.83)
- Keith Mitchell (+0.82)
- Kevin Tway (+0.74)
Birdie or Better %
There aren’t many hazards on the course, and all of the par-5s should be reachable in two for the majority of the players in the field. I am anticipating a birdie fest, and this statistic should be helpful in finding the birdie-makers.
Birdie or Better % Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Wesley Bryan (31%)
- Kelly Kraft (26.2%)
- Peter Kuest (25.9%)
- Matti Schmid (25.7%
- Jimmy Stanger (25.2%)
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)
Many golfers on TOUR have some major putting surface variance in their statistics and prefer Bentgrass to other surfaces.
Bentgrass is common in Texas, and we often see golfers who play well in Texas continue to do so, finding a great feel around the greens.
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Maverick McNealy (+0.92)
- Aaron Baddeley (+0.87)
- Callum Tarren (+0.86)
- Harry Hall (+0.81)
- Nick Hardy (+0.69)
Course History
This statistic will tell us which players have performed the best at TPC Craig Ranch over the past three seasons.
Course History Over Past 12 Rounds:
- Jordan Spieth (+2.69)
- K.H. Lee (+2.59)
- Seamus Power (+1.84)
- Ryan Palmer (+1.76)
- Adam Scott (+1.72)
CJ CUP Byron Nelson Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: OTT (24%), Birdie or Better % (18%), Course History (17%) and SG: Putting Bentgrass (16%).
- Alex Noren
- Adam Scott
- Keith Mitchell
- Si Woo Kim
- Stephen Jaeger
- Jordan Spieth
- Jhonnatan Vegas
- Nate Lashley
- Brice Garnett
- Tom Hoge
2024 CJ CUP Byron Nelson Picks
Byeong Hun An +3000 (DraftKings)
Byeong Hun put together an excellent performance at The Masters, finishing T16, which ties his best ever finish at a major championship (also T16 at 2019 U.S. Open). The South Korean gained 9.16 strokes from tee to green, which ranked 2nd in the field behind only the champion, Scottie Scheffler.
An’s next start at Harbour Town didn’t go as well (67th), but he still had a fantastic ball striking week. The 32-year-old bled strokes both around and on the greens, which was his eventual undoing. In his past three starts, An has gained significant strokes on the field both off the tee and on approach.
Benny had a strong start at last year’s Byron Nelson, finishing in a tie for 14th. With limited challenges on the course, he shouldn’t have to do much scrambling. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 17th in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 17th in the field in birdie or better percentage. The putter is up and down per usual, but his ceiling putting weeks with his LAB Golf putter in 2024 are higher than they’ve been in past seasons.
An is starting to become my “white whale” of the PGA Tour, but I believe in his talent and TPC Craig Ranch is a course that should suit his excellent tee to green play.
Mackenzie Hughes +5500 (FanDuel)
Mackenzie Hughes is quietly putting together a very good season. He finished in a tie for 3rd at the Valspar Championship and followed that up with a T14 at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
In his past 36 rounds in Texas, the Canadian ranks 5th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total. Last year, he finished in a tie for 14th at this event and gained strokes putting and off the tee. Mackenzie played well that week despite being in extremely poor form. He missed two cuts in a row prior to the event, and four consecutive cuts immediately after. His irons were off that week, but in 2024, we’ve seen an improvement in Hughes’ approach game. He now comes to the event playing some steady golf. He’s gained strokes on approach in four of his past five events and is hitting the ball very well from tee to green.
Hughes has two victories on the PGA Tour, both coming in relatively low-scoring affairs (-17 in each). He will need to go a bit deeper to win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson but has the type of putter that can keep pace in a birdie barrage.
Seamus Power +7000 (FanDuel)
After struggling over the past few seasons with injuries, Seamus Power seems as if he is rounding back into the form that made him a really consistent player on the PGA Tour.
Power finished T12 in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage, which is encouraging considering it was a “signature event” with a very strong field. For the week, the Irishman gained 4.4 strokes on approach and 2.8 strokes putting, which is the combination he’s used in the past to contend on Tour.
In his three trips to TPC Craig Ranch, Power is yet to finish outside of the top-20, with his best finish being a T9 in 2019. He ranks 4th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course. The 37-year-old thrives on easy tracks and has won in 2021 (Barbasol Championship) and 2022 (Butterfield Bermuda) on easier layouts with weaker fields.
Power has the game to go extremely low and I believe he can get back in the winner’s circle for the third time in four years.
Chan Kim +10000 (FanDuel)
Chan Kim has been striking the ball beautifully this season and is a proven winner with two wins on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023 as well as eight career Japan Tour wins.
At last week’s Zurich Classic, Kim and his partner Doug Ghim finished in a tie for 28th. Prior to that, the South Korean T14 at the Valero Texas Open and T6 at the Corales Puntacana Championship. His success this season in Texas as well as he propensity to play his best golf on the PGA Tour’s easier courses make him and ideal fit for TPC Craig Ranch.
2024 has given plenty of longshot winners on the PGA Tour, and with a birdie fest like this, I believe there’s a strong chance we get another this week in McKinney, Texas.
Alejandro Tosti +10000 (FanDuel)
Alejandro Tosti is one of the most polarizing players on the PGA Tour thus far in the 2024 season. His antics can rub many the wrong way, but he’s shown on a few occasions that he has what it takes to compete in Tour events.
This season, Tosti has been elite off the tee. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The Argentine hits it long and straight, which works at any course on earth. He got a taste of contention a few starts ago at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, finishing in a tie for 2nd place.
Tosti had a fantastic year in 2023 on the Korn Ferry Tour, where going low is a prerequisite to success. If this turns to a shootout, which it likely will, the 27-year-old has the ability to set the pace. Tosti will look to become the second Argentine to win in Texas in the past two seasons after Emiliano Grillo emerged victorious at last year’s Charles Schwab Challenge.
C.T. Pan +15000 (FanDuel)
Outside of a T3 at the Mexico Open, C.T. Pan doesn’t have strong results this season in terms of finishes. However, over his past two starts, Pan’s iron play has come alive. At The Players, he gained 6.6 strokes on approach. At the Valero Texas Open, he gained 3.7. At last week’s Zurich Classic, Pan and his partner Kevin Yu finished T28. For a player who can get extremely hot with his scoring clubs, I believe he’s playing better than the results have shown over the past month or so.
Last season, Pan finished 4th at TPC Craig Ranch and was spectacular across all the major stat categories. In his past 36 qualifying rounds, he ranks 16th in Strokes Gained: Total in Texas.
Pan has won on the PGA Tour at the RBC Heritage and is always a player that I believe has what it takes to win on a Sunday if he finds himself in contention.
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