The PGA Tour announced overnight that the CJ Group has become the new sponsor of the Byron Nelson, the tour’s Dallas-based tournament.
With the move – which was previously reported during the tour’s 2024 schedule release – the event will now be known as “The CJ Cup Byron Nelson”.
“We are extremely grateful for the CJ Group’s long-term commitment to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, an event which has enriched the Dallas community and carried on the legacy of Byron Nelson through world-class golf and community impact,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. “Alongside our partners at the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, the CJ Group is committed to further elevating the event in one of the premier golf markets in the United States.”
The CJ Group, a global lifestyle company based in South Korea, has been affiliated with the tour since 2017, when it sponsored the tour’s first Korean tournament at Club at Nine Bridges on Jeju Island. Due to COVID restrictions, the event was played in the United States the past three years, with Rory McIlroy winning the last two editions. The company also has several PGA Tour brand ambassadors such as Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim.
AT&T had been the Nelson sponsor since 2015. However, AT&T is diverting its funds to its other PGA Tour event at Pebble Beach, as the Pebble Beach Pro-Am has earned designated event status next season and thus offers a higher purse.
The Nelson traces its history to 1944, and was commonly referred to as the Dallas Open. It was renamed for Byron Nelson in 1968, and boasts Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Tom Watson and Phil Mickelson among its past winners. The event will continue to be played at TPC Craig Ranch. The 2024 event will begin on May 2; Australia’s Jason Day is the defending champion.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
