The CJ Cup Byron Nelson returns on May 1 to TPC Craig Ranch near Dallas. The event blends competitive golf with philanthropy, featuring a 156-player field on the 7,468-yard, par-72 layout while raising millions for the Momentous Institute. But PGA Tour made a last-minute announcement that shook things up.
They announced on April 30, 2025, that Cameron Champ will join the CJ Cup Byron Nelson field in McKinney, Texas, replacing Gary Woodland, who withdrew due to a back injury. Will Zalatoris also withdrew just one day before the tournament’s opening round, and his spot was filled by James Hahn.
Both changes were confirmed by PGA Tour Communications via X (formerly Twitter) and reflect ongoing adjustments to the roster ahead of the season’s spring stop in the Dallas suburb.
Champ, a 29-year-old Houston resident and Texas A&M alum, was at home when he learned he would replace Woodland and immediately traveled to the Dallas area, arriving late Wednesday night.
Gary Woodland is a WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson and replaced by Cameron Champ.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) April 30, 2025
This marks his fourth start of the 2025 season; he owns three PGA Tour victories (2019–21) but missed 35 of 55 cuts over the past two years. Champ countered two early bogeys with nine birdies in Thursday’s opening round, signaling a resurgence in form.
Will Zalatoris is a WD from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson and replaced by James Hahn.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) April 30, 2025
The withdrawals of Woodland and Zalatoris are part of a broader wave of eight last-minute changes to the Byron Nelson field. Other notable WDs include Michael Kim and Nick Dunlap, whose spots went to Dylan Wu and Kevin Tway, respectively.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains the lone top-10 player in the field, as only seven golfers ranked inside the top 50 will compete this week.
Related: Multiple PGA Tour Golfers Withdraw From Byron Nelson at Last Minute
