Links Corner Forum

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch – 2026 Preview


TPC Craig Ranch
by Sage Vanni and Leo Allen

https://linkscorner.org/courses/course.php?crz=2738
Release Date 2022-08-24 : LC_ID # 2738
CRZ Filename: TPC Craig Ranch - GreensFix.crz

2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson - Practice Rd

Video link to Practice Rd.
https://youtu.be/cdjnZ8bO8Nw


TPC Craig Ranch
by Sage Vanni and Leo Allen
https://linkscorner.org/courses/course.php?crz=2738

Release Date 2022-08-24 : LC_ID # 2738
CRZ Filename: TPC Craig Ranch - GreensFix.crz

2025 vs 2026 CJ Cup Overhead Greens View

Pre-Tournament_Notes

I played a few rounds earlier in the week using MC/FC and random pins, will play a further round with the set conditions a little later.

The course plays well, the first time I went out, I went for things, some paid off some didn't but is gave me an idea of how far to push, even then, after finding the water, nothing new for me, still shot a +1 round. A couple of more managed rounds and they came in at -5 & -4.

There are some slick putts out there, so you need to be careful, but return putts were makeable, putting speed is all important, as in the real game many players do not miss left or right by too much but length is another story. Some greens with longer approach shots I found it was beneficial to land the ball short, if possible, and run onto the green. The greens are very fair, certainly need to allow for the breaks but like I said speed is a significant factor.

It is a good driving course, no great problems off the tee, there is optimal positioning on some holes. Some of the holes are a challenge for shorter hitters to get home in regulation, possibly our 2003 equipment is not helping. I did find some of the par 3s particularly challenging, and it was easy to drop a stroke on them.

For approach shots good club selection and swing length control could make or break you, mine was rather mixed leaving a putt with a good chance or looking to try and get down in two. There can be a fine line here.

Whether it is a -30 course is another matter, but I expect some good scores by linksters.

Des

dwg wrote: ↑May 19th, 2026, 11:57 pm I played a few rounds earlier in the week using MC/FC and random pins, will play a further round with the set conditions a little later.

The course plays well, the first time I went out, I went for things, some paid off some didn't but is gave me an idea of how far to push, even then, after finding the water, nothing new for me, still shot a +1 round. A couple of more managed rounds and they came in at -5 & -4.

Des

This will be the pro's first look at the course since the changes and that's where I think the redesigners are looking for is -4 or -5 a round not -8 or -9. I was playing around with a windy condition and that seem to push me out to that 15ft to 20ft plus range to help ease off the scoring. Rain is on forcast so a slower track in the M/FC =12 range will help. I don't know if they will get to MC/FC = 13. Sage is much kinder designer than John. John has no Mercy lol.

Well that was a practice round and more.

Completed it with a 71.

There is a but, the water on 15 I just could not get over it, 10 strokes later walked off the green, yes and still got a 71 thanks to 7 birdies and an eagle, round included 2 chips ins, Twenty putts for the round.

I had to end up going up 3 clubs to clear the water on 15, I was not impressed with myself. From the tee the original club looked to be more than enough to clear the water and get to the back of the green, but fell well short.

The par 3s are a challenge, a couple of par 4s I could not reach the green in 2 so had to rely on the short game a lot, I have moved from chipping to playing pitch shots with a Sand Wedge, unlike the real thing I have stopped carrying a Lob Wedge in Links. In the real game I much prefer playing chip shots with a variety of clubs, that does not seem to work as well in Links, well I certainly cannot get the feel for it in the game.

So one hole and all the hard work fell apart :)

Des

I played a practice round Monday, went around in 68, M/F breezy conditions, seems to be a reasonable layout just need to get the flat stick going. I love Sage's courses because they usually have subtle little breaks on the greens that not hitting the snap correctly will have you missing makeable putts similar to real life.

Jim

Here's my practice round. Hoping to play the weekend this time

https://youtu.be/cBaPHRy462E

Just played another practice round, same conditions, Breezy M/F, felt like I wasn't hitting the ball very well but shot 32-29=61! including 3 birdie chip-ins!

Can't wait to start tomorrow! Glad you guys have brought me back to playing Links again!

Jim