The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, a regular event of the PGA Tour with a total prize of $9.9 million, will be held from May 1 for four days at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, U.S. The tournament has used the name Byron Nelson since 1968, and last year it was held for the first time as The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (hereafter referred to as The CJ Cup). CJ Group will serve as the title sponsor until 2033 in partnership with the local nonprofit organization Dallas Salesmanship Club.

Since its first tournament in 2017, The CJ Cup has been utilized as a strategic platform that goes beyond a simple sports event, allowing global fans to experience K-food and K-culture. This year, CJ Group has prepared even more special content and entertainment.

Like last year, CJ Group will lead in promoting Korean cuisine and culture to players and galleries that visit the tournament venue. In particular, this year for the first time, 'HOUSE OF CJ' will be operated, enabling golf fans to directly experience Korean culture and its excellence.

CJ Group sets up a complex cultural experience space called 'HOUSE OF CJ' to accelerate the spread of K-culture. Spanning approximately 625 m² (190 pyeong), 'HOUSE OF CJ' is located at the center of the gallery plaza, providing a space where various aspects of Korean culture can be experienced through the group's major brands. 'HOUSE OF CJ' includes Bibigo concession, Olive Young powder room, CJ ENM's music and video content zone, and TLJ's concession, offering a unique experience as if invited to a Korean festival, even featuring cocktails made with traditional Korean liquor, Munbaeju.

A CJ Group official noted, "CJ Group acted as a national promotion hall to widely promote the culture and food of South Korea at the Korea House during last year's Paris Olympics. This year, we will again take the stage at The CJ Cup to further promote K-culture globally. Last year, about 160,000 gallery visitors attended, and we expect even more fans to visit the tournament this year. We will prepare for them to enjoy not only the golf match but also K-culture."

CJ Group will provide various Korean dishes throughout the tournament focused on the global Korean food brand 'Bibigo,' including players' dining, VIP hospitality, and concessions for the gallery, allowing them to directly experience the charm of K-food. Signature Korean menu items, such as dumplings and bibimbap, that CJ boasts will leave a deep impression on the players and gallery gathered from around the world.

In particular, this year's players' dining will feature 17 chefs from Korea, taking pride in the reputation of being the best dining experience on the PGA Tour. Last year's champion, Taylor Pendrith, praised, "The players' dining was truly perfect. It might be the best among PGA Tour tournaments," and current world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also said, "The food I had at The CJ Cup is the most memorable. The Korean dishes provided to the players, including dumplings, were the best."

This year, the current world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will participate in The CJ Cup. Scottie Scheffler achieved seven victories on the PGA Tour last year, becoming the FedEx Cup champion, and has lifted a total of nine trophies, including a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and one victory in an event tournament, establishing himself as the best player currently. Notably, Scottie Scheffler canceled his participation in last year's CJ Cup due to the birth of his child, but this year he remarkably confirmed his participation quickly, showing high interest and affection for the tournament.

Players facing him also have a fair chance to aim for victory. The first to challenge for the title is former world No. 1 Jordan Spieth, who has a deep connection to Byron Nelson. Jordan Spieth participated in the Byron Nelson tournament in 2010 at the age of 16 as an amateur, marking his first stage on the PGA Tour. He finished tied for 16th place at the time, surprising the world, and last year he was the runner-up when Lee Kyung-hoon won, raising expectations on whether he can lift the Korean trophy based on those good memories.

Defending champion Taylor Pendrith will attempt to defend his title. Since 1968, only three players have successfully defended their titles: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Lee Kyung-hoon. If Taylor Pendrith wins again, he will be able to raise his name once more in the long history of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Additionally, 'Dallas native' Will Zalatoris, the rookie of the 2020-2021 season, also pledged to perform well for his hometown fans.

TEAM CJ is also aiming for the championship trophy at the main sponsor tournament. An Byung-hun achieved the best performance among TEAM CJ players with his tied for 4th place last year and is now challenging for his first victory on the PGA Tour. Im Sung-jae, who finished tied for 5th at this year's Masters Tournament, and Kim Si-woo, who made a successful rebound finishing tied for 8th at the RBC Heritage, are determined to carry their recent good form into The CJ Cup. Furthermore, Chris Kim, who set the record for the youngest cut made in last year's tournament and proved to be the top prospect in men's golf, as well as Choi Seung-bin, who will make his debut on the PGA Tour, are also committed to healthy competition with their seniors.

The tournament will take place at TPC Craig Ranch, a par 71 course measuring 7,414 yards, designed by renowned course designer Tom Weiskopf, who is a former PGA Tour player. The course contains a total of 83 bunkers and lakes spread over 13 holes, requiring precise strategic play. Additionally, the strong winds unique to Texas and unpredictable weather will likely challenge players' skills and quick decision-making during the tournament.

In particular, the 17th hole is considered the signature hole. Although it is a par 3 hole measuring just 147 yards, a broad terrace surrounding the course is filled with numerous galleries cheering and applauding, heightening the players' tension. The first player to make a hole-in-one here will be awarded a Korean food party worth $40,000, provided by a Bibigo chef who will go to the player's desired location. There are expectations for who will be the first winner this year.

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