The trophy of the PGA Tour's The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (total purse $10.3 million), crafted in Hangul and inspired by Jikji Simche Yojeol, the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type, gives champions a distinctive honor. The Korean-language names of past winners are engraved on the trophy.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States, who claimed his first title at this tournament last year, is ready to inscribe his Hangul name on the trophy once again.
Speaking at the official press conference one day before the opening on Oct. 20 (local time) at TPC Craig Ranch (par 71) in McKinney, Texas, Scheffler expressed confidence in his bid to defend the title.
Last season at the same venue, Scheffler shot 31-under 253 to win by eight strokes over Erik van Rooyen of South Africa. Reflecting on his win, he said, "It's still a great memory. Competing on tour is always enjoyable, and being able to play at home makes it even more special. On top of that, being able to win there made me really happy."
On the course renovations carried out since last year's tournament, Scheffler said scoring should not be a major issue. "Since the renovation after last year's tournament, the course has become much more strategic from tee to green," he said. "It has especially turned into a course that requires more thought around the greens. The difficulty has definitely improved."
In this tournament, Scheffler is grouped with Korea's Kim Si-woo (No. 24) and "major hunter" Brooks Koepka of the United States (No. 111). Scheffler did not hold back in praising Kim Si-woo, with whom he has built a friendship while living in the Dallas area. "It's always enjoyable to play with Kim Si-woo," he said. "I think Kim Si-woo is one of the most talented players on tour."
Scheffler also expressed affection for his close friend Kim Joo-hyung, who has been going through a difficult stretch recently. Kim Joo-hyung has fallen into a severe slump this season, recording just one top-10 finish in 11 starts. "Kim Joo-hyung is still a young player at just 23," Scheffler said. "I think golf is the hardest sport in the world, and everyone has flows and ups and downs. Kim Joo-hyung still has great energy, and that has always been his strength. He'll be back competing for wins again soon," he said in support.
Scheffler also did not forget to send a message of encouragement to Korean junior players who dream of joining the PGA Tour after watching him. "I had a dream of playing on the PGA Tour, but I never thought of it as something I had to achieve," he advised. "Rather than comparing yourself with other players, it's important to focus on your own path."
Finally, asked about his goal for this tournament, he said, "I want to win once again at this tournament, which carries a special trophy and the iconic name of Byron Nelson."
