TLDR:
- Will Zalatoris withdrew from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and was replaced by Nick Watney, a PGA Tour golfer with career earnings of $29,322,762.
- The CJ Cup Byron Nelson field saw other changes with players getting sponsor exemptions and others withdrawing.
Will Zalatoris, one of the top-ranked players, decided to withdraw from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, opening the door for Nick Watney to take his place. Watney, with 21 seasons in professional golf and career earnings of $29,322,762, is no stranger to the PGA Tour. The field also saw Zecheng Dou and Austin Smotherman receiving sponsor exemptions, while Christiaan Bezuidenhout withdrew and was replaced by Richy Werenski. Other changes included Patrick Rodgers and Charley Hoffman leaving the field and Ryan Palmer and James Hahn joining. Despite these changes, the event still boasts a strong field with three members of the Top 30 in the world rankings, including Jordan Spieth, defending champion Jason Day, and young star Tom Kim. Several other promising players, including Min Woo Lee, Stephan Jaeger, and Adam Schenk, will also be part of the tournament. Additionally, former champions like Jason Day, Adam Scott, K. H. Lee, and Sung Kang will be vying for the title at TPC Craig Ranch. The CJ Cup Byron Nelson promises to be an exciting and competitive event with a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents.