Scheffler leans on home routine as he begins CJ Cup title defence

MCKINNEY: World number one Scottie Scheffler said returning home for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson has given him a welcome sense of familiarity as he prepares to defend the title he won in dominant fashion last year.

Scheffler captured the tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in the Dallas suburbs by eight shots in 2025, matching the lowest 72-hole score in PGA Tour history. With the course within commuting distance of his home, the American said the setting has helped him settle in after last week’s PGA Championship at Aronimink, where he finished tied for 14th, seven strokes behind winner Aaron Rai.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Scheffler said the week had offered a calmer build-up than usual. He said he rested on Monday, practised at another nearby course and then took part in Wednesday’s pro-am before the start of his title defence.

He said the timing of a home event has become even more valuable following a change in his family life. Scheffler and his wife welcomed their second child, son Remy, in March, and he said that has altered how he manages tournament weeks.

"It was nice to have a home week, especially coming off a major championship," said Scheffler.

"I think so far this year, when you add a second child to the mix, I think that's a whole different ballgame in terms of home life," said Scheffler.

"There's a lot more activity for me at golf tournaments than there was early in my career. I think you just adjust. I can't spend as much time at the golf course as I did when I was younger, early in my career, and that's for a variety of reasons.

"It's more important for me to get home in a timely manner now. A lot of it is just schedule adjustments. You just adjust your day and prioritize the things I need to prioritize."

Strong season despite major setback

Even though he was unable to mount a late challenge at Aronimink, Scheffler has remained one of the most consistent players on tour this season. His result at the PGA Championship was his 10th top-25 finish of the 2026 campaign.

His season has also included a victory at La Quinta in California and three runner-up finishes, one of them at the Masters. That run has kept him among the leading contenders heading into another appearance at a venue where he has already enjoyed major success.

Course changes and putting reset

Scheffler said TPC Craig Ranch has undergone notable changes since his victory there last year. While he said the course remains broadly similar from tee to green, he noted that the putting surfaces now present a different challenge.

The world number one said the revised greens could help him regroup after struggling with the putting surfaces at Aronimink during the PGA Championship.

"Overall I feel like I'm in a good spot," he said.

"I've actually putted the best that I have in my career so far this year, and (I can) just kind of get a reset, get on some new greens, work on my reads, make sure I'm checking all my fundamentals."

He also said the course plays fairly similarly from tee to green, but described the greens as definitely much more interesting than they were a year ago.

As he begins his title defence, Scheffler will be looking to turn the comfort of a home event into another strong result and return to the winner’s circle after a season that has already featured a victory and several near-misses.