What THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson does

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is an annual PGA Tour FedExCup Regular Season golf tournament held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. It was established in 1968 (with roots to the 1926 Dallas Open) and is hosted by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, a 600+ member civic organization, with sole beneficiary Momentous Institute, a 1920-founded nonprofit delivering mental health services, education, and family support to over 7,800 children and families annually. The tournament has raised more than $195 million for Momentous Institute since 1968 and produced over $80 million in 2023 economic impact according to an EventCorp Services study.

The event's product surface spans daily grounds tickets ($50-$90), tiered hospitality (Champions Club, Choctaw Club, 1968 Club at $12,500), private suites (Nelson, Weiskopf, 16 Green Skyboxes, Ranch17) under 2-3 year commitments, Pro-Am participation packages ($6,500-$12,500), military complimentary ticketing verified via GovX, fan-experience venues (House of CJ, ULTRA Bar, Tito's Golf Club, Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker, First Watch, High Noon Clubhouse, The Green), and community programs (Bridge Kids, Byron's Buddies, the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards). Ticketing is sold primarily through Ticketmaster's digital platform; corporate sponsorships and premium hospitality are sold through the Salesmanship Club's direct enterprise sales team.

Title sponsorship sits with CJ Group, a South Korea-headquartered conglomerate, under a 10-year agreement announced in 2023; this introduced K-Wave cultural activations (K-Beauty via Olive Young, K-Food via Bibigo and Tous les Jours, K-Content via CJ ENM and Screen X 270-degree cinema) through the 8,000 sq ft House of CJ activation. Premier partners include Cadillac, FedEx, the City of McKinney, and SSB. CJ Group also funds the Birdies for Mental Health program ($1,000 per birdie on Hole 17, totaling $76,000 in 2024). Technology dependence is largely on third-party platforms — Ticketmaster for ticketing, the PGA Tour official app for leaderboards/tee times — with no proprietary AI, API, or in-house data products disclosed. The 18-employee core staff is supported by a 1,300-volunteer network across 15+ committees.

Name

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Legal name

Salesmanship Club of Dallas

Website

https://thecjcupbyronnelson.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is an annual PGA Tour FedExCup golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Organized by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, it serves golf fans, corporate sponsors, and military members while raising funds for Momentous Institute's mental health programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Golf Tournament

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (713910)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Tours & Professional Circuits (MPAKAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Golf Clubs & Tournament-Host Clubs (Professional/Elite Golf Clubs) (MPAKABAE)

Keywords

• Professional golf tournament
• PGA Tour event
• Corporate hospitality packages
• Golf title sponsorship
• Charitable sporting event

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The tournament generates revenue from the sale of general admission grounds tickets, daily and weekly ticket packages, and premium hospitality tickets (Champions Club, Choctaw Club, 1968 Club, Skyboxes, Suites). Ticket distribution is handled through Ticketmaster's digital platform.
2. Title and Corporate Sponsorship: CJ Group serves as the title sponsor under a 10-year agreement. The tournament additionally attracts premier partners (Cadillac, McKinney TX, SSB, FedEx, Salesmanship Club of Dallas) and sells corporate branding opportunities, hospitality venues, and Pro-Am participation packages to corporate clients.
3. Donations and Military Support: Operation Appreciation program accepts tax-deductible donations to support military golf outing events, Patriots Outpost venue, and military ticketing initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson operates an annual PGA Tour golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, selling daily grounds tickets ($50–$90), premium hospitality packages (Champions Club from $400, Choctaw Club from $400, 1968 Club at $12,500, Nelson Suites, Skyboxes, Ranch17 Boxes, Weiskopf Suites), and Pro-Am playing opportunities ($6,500–$12,500). Revenue is also generated through title sponsorship (CJ Group under a 10-year deal) and premier partnerships (Cadillac, McKinney TX, SSB, FedEx), with all net proceeds supporting the Momentous Institute's mental health programs for children, families, and communities.

Product overview

THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is a PGA TOUR golf tournament held annually at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. The event is organized by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas with title sponsorship from CJ Group. The tournament operates as a unified event platform offering multiple product lines: (1) Core ticketing products ranging from General Admission grounds tickets ($50-$90) to premium hospitality experiences including Champions Club, Choctaw Club, and the ultra-exclusive 1968 Club ($12,500); (2) Corporate hospitality suites and boxes including Nelson Suites, Skyboxes, Ranch17 Boxes/Villas, and Weiskopf Suites; (3) Pro-Am participation opportunities at $6,500-$12,500; (4) Military appreciation programming through Operation Appreciation; (5) Fan experience venues including House of CJ (K-Wave activation), ULTRA Bar, Tito's Golf Club, Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker, First Watch, High Noon Clubhouse, The Green (mental health marketplace), and the signature Pavilion at Hole 17; (6) Community and charitable programs including Bridge Kids, Byron's Buddies, Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards, and the Momentous Institute partnership benefiting mental health services; (7) G4D Tour disabled golf events. The tournament has generated over $195 million for Momentous Institute since 1968.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Admission (Grounds Tickets) Daily tournament grounds admission to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Includes access to the course, signature 17th hole (Ranch17), House of CJ K-Wave activation, Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker, and other public fan venues. Daily tickets range from $50 (Wednesday) to $90 (Friday/Saturday); children 15 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
• Champions Club Premium ticket offering covered seating and shared open-air tent with stadium seating overlooking the 17th tee. Includes lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and premium open bar service. Daily tickets start at $400 with weekly packages available.
• Choctaw Club Premium hospitality ticket providing climate-controlled shared interior and patio seating overlooking 16 green and 13 tee. Includes premium buffet, lunch, and afternoon hors d'oeuvres. Breakfast not included.
• 1968 Club Ultra-exclusive luxury hospitality experience at $12,500 investment. Includes VIP viewing at 17 Tee, Champions Club, Choctaw Club, shared Ranch17 space, private clubhouse lounge, valet privileges, golf cart concierge, PGA TOUR Player Experience, and custom gift package.
• Nelson Suites Private hospitality suite on the 18th green featuring climate-controlled interior and private covered patio with lounge seating. Includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and premium open bar service for April 29 – May 2, 2027.
• 16 Green Skyboxes Premium climate-controlled skyboxes overlooking 16 green with all-inclusive food and bar service (breakfast, lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, premium open bar), private covered patio with stadium seating, and private upscale restrooms. 2026-2028 agreement required with 5% annual ladder increase.
• Ranch17 Boxes Covered open-air venue providing viewing of signature par 3 at hole 17 (147 yards). Includes shared open-air interior with reserved bay, reserved seating, and company recognition. Available May 21-24, 2026.
• The Lookout at Ranch17 Open-air venue at Ranch17 with reserved table seating (4 seats) overlooking the signature par-3 17th. Includes lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, open bar service, and access to private upscale restrooms.
• 17 Green Villas Front-row hospitality villas at the signature 147-yard par-3 17th hole. Includes access to private upscale restrooms and company recognition at the individual villa.
• Weiskopf Suites Reserved private suites positioned at signature 17th hole and 16 green. Includes all-inclusive food and bar service (breakfast, lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, open bar), private fully furnished climate-controlled interior, private covered patio with stadium seating, and company recognition. Available April 29 – May 2, 2027.
• Monday Pro-Am Playing opportunity in the Monday Pro-Am at TPC Craig Ranch. Includes one playing spot, cart path only access, two Champions Club tickets per day (Thursday–Sunday), four grounds tickets per day, and one preferred parking pass per day. Investment: $6,500.
• Wednesday Pro-Am Playing spot in the Wednesday Pro-Am at TPC Craig Ranch. Includes lunch and cocktail party day-of, Tuesday evening pairings party, caddies available, two Champions Club tickets per day (Thursday–Sunday), four grounds tickets per day, and one preferred parking pass per day. Investment: $12,500.
• Celebrity-Am

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $195 million raised for Momentous Institute mental health programs since 1968
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship/title, flagship, premier partner, core and supporting.

• CJ Groupflagship/titleGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 September 2023CJ Group (a Seoul-headquartered South Korean conglomerate with holdings in food, retail, logistics, media, and biotechnology) became the title sponsor of the Byron Nelson tournament under a long-term 10-year agreement, renaming it THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. CJ Group's sponsorship began with the 2024 tournament and brings K-Wave cultural activations including K-Beauty (Olive Young), K-Food (Bibigo), K-Spirits, and K-Content (CJ ENM) to the tournament. CJ Group donates $1,000 per birdie on hole 17 through the Birdies for Mental Health initiative ($76,000 raised in 2024). CJ Group also sponsors Bridge Kids, pairing local junior golfers with PGA Tour pros.
• Salesmanship Club of DallasflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Salesmanship Club of Dallas (with over 600 members) is the civic organization that hosts and organizes THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson tournament. The club founded Momentous Institute in 1920 and has been the tournament's organizing force since 1968, overseeing all tournament operations, volunteer recruitment (1,300 volunteers), and charitable giving.
• Momentous InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMomentous Institute, founded by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas in 1920, is the sole beneficiary of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson tournament. The nonprofit provides mental health care, education, and family resources to over 7,800 children and families annually. The tournament has raised over $195 million for Momentous Institute since 1968, with the club on a path to strengthen 1,000,000 families by 2031.
• Cadillacpremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCadillac is listed as a premier partner of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, providing complimentary parking for Cadillac owners at Lot 9 with shuttle service to the main entrance during tournament week.
• FedExpremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFedEx is listed as a premier partner. The tournament is part of the FedExCup Regular Season on the PGA Tour, with 500 FedExCup points awarded to the champion.
• PGA TOURflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is an official PGA Tour event on the FedExCup Regular Season calendar, held annually at TPC Craig Ranch. The PGA Tour provides tournament operations framework, player field, official scoring, and global broadcast coverage through Golf Channel and NBC. The 2027 tournament was moved to April 29 – May 2 to avoid conflict with the 2027 PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East Course.
• TPC Craig Ranch (Invited)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTPC Craig Ranch, operated by country club giant Invited, is the host venue for THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. A $22 million renovation was underway after the 2025 tournament, with Lanny Wadkins involved in the design vision, to elevate the experience for both members and PGA Tour pros.
• House of CJ Partners (Olive Young, Bibigo, Tous les Jours, CJ ENM)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHouse of CJ was an 8,000 square foot multi-sensory activation zone featuring Korean lifestyle brands: Olive Young (K-Beauty), Bibigo (K-Food), Tous les Jours (pastries and coffee), CJ ENM (K-Pop and K-Content with Screen X 270° panoramic cinema), and pre-launch Korean spirit brand Jari (K-Cocktails). The activation ran May 20-24 at the 18th hole fairway.
• Olive YoungcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOlive Young, a Korean beauty and health retailer, returned to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with an expanded K-Beauty experience including a dedicated zone within House of CJ and a standalone concession booth at the seventh hole.
• City of McKinney, TXpremier partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerThe City of McKinney, Texas is listed as a premier partner. The tournament generates significant economic impact for the McKinney community and is a key driver of local visitation and tourism.
• Under ArmoursupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerUnder Armour provides the official volunteer uniform (white tournament-branded Under Armour polo) for the tournament's 1,300 volunteers.
• UT SouthwesternsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerUT Southwestern sponsored water stations throughout the tournament course, helping reduce waste by saving 22,100 plastic bottles from entering the environment in the previous year.
• Bridge Kids (CJ Group Initiative)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBridge Kids is a CJ Group initiative launched in 2017 that pairs local junior golfers with PGA Tour pros at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, offering firsthand experiences of golf skills and life lessons through Q&A sessions and mini-games. PGA TOUR players Ryan Palmer and Byeong Hun An hosted the 2024 event.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Travelers Championship: PGA Tour event at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, with title sponsor Travelers and operated by a nonprofit. Comparable in tour-stop positioning, corporate hospitality, sponsor structure, and charitable giving model.
• WM Phoenix Open: PGA Tour event at TPC Scottsdale operated by The Thunderbirds civic organization. Comparable as a large-scale, civic-nonprofit-hosted PGA Tour event with substantial corporate hospitality, premium fan experiences (stadium 16th hole), and major charitable giving (over $200M raised cumulatively).
• Genesis Invitational: PGA Tour event hosted by Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation at Riviera Country Club. Comparable in structure as a charitable, star-golfer-affiliated PGA Tour event with strong corporate sponsorship (Genesis) and a focus on youth/education giving.
• Zurich Classic of New Orleans: PGA Tour event at TPC Louisiana with Zurich title sponsorship. Comparable in tour-stop positioning, multi-tier sponsorship, and team-format event structure with significant hospitality revenue.
• Arnold Palmer Invitational: PGA Tour event at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, also named after a professional golfer (Arnold Palmer). Directly comparable as the only other PGA Tour event named after a pro golfer and operated by a nonprofit (Arnold Palmer Foundation) for charitable purposes.
• Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches: PGA Tour event at PGA National Resort with Cognizant title sponsorship. Comparable as a PGA Tour Regular Season event with title sponsor, premium hospitality, and corporate activation structure similar to THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
• John Deere Classic: PGA Tour event at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, operated by a nonprofit (Tournament Players Club). Comparable as a nonprofit-operated PGA Tour event with strong civic/community giving mission and corporate title sponsorship.
• The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday: PGA Tour event hosted by Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, and operated as a charitable tournament. Closely comparable in structure: civic nonprofit operation, named-tournament host, premium hospitality, multi-tier sponsorship, and charitable beneficiary.
• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: PGA Tour event at Pebble Beach Golf Links with multi-year title sponsor and significant premium hospitality, sponsor activation, and Pro-Am structure. Comparable in tour-stop positioning, multi-tier hospitality, and Pro-Am business model.

Regional players

• Charles Schwab Challenge: PGA Tour event at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Comparable as a PGA Tour stop in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, with similar corporate hospitality, sponsor structure, and Tour Regular Season status.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cjbyronnelson
• Facebookfacebook.com/thecjcupbyronnelson
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-cj-cup-byron-nelson
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecjcupbyronnelson

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson