The PGA Tour regular event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson (hereinafter referred to as the CJ Cup), will be held from the 1st for four days at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, local time.
Since its first tournament in 2017, the CJ Cup has established itself as a strategic platform where global fans can experience K-food and K-culture, going beyond a simple sports event. This year, CJ Group is expected to amaze golf fans around the world once again with even more special content and experiences.
This year, CJ Group will showcase the 'HOUSE OF CJ' for the first time at the CJ Cup. The 'HOUSE OF CJ' will be set up at the Gallery Plaza, covering approximately 625 square meters (190 pyeong), where golf fans can experience the allure of K-culture through all five senses, including Korean cuisine, music, and beauty. The 'HOUSE OF CJ' will feature Bibigo concessions, Olive Young powder rooms, music and video content zones from CJ ENM, TLJ concessions, and a Screen X with a 270-degree panorama, offering a unique experience that feels like being invited to a Korean festival, including cocktails made with traditional Korean liquor.
The 'HOUSE OF CJ' has been planned based on the successful operation of 'Korea House' by CJ Group at last year's Paris Olympics. At that time, CJ Group successfully promoted South Korea while showcasing the essence of K-culture to the local European audience. This year, the stage has moved to the U.S. with the goal of once again delivering the inspiration of K-culture to over 160,000 gallery attendees at the tournament.
CJ Group will also take the lead in promoting Korean cuisine through Bibigo. At the venue, not only will there be Bibigo concessions, but also player-exclusive dining and VIP hospitality points offering various Korean cuisine dishes such as dumplings and bibimbap, allowing attendees to directly experience the excellence of K-food.
The CJ Cup has already earned a reputation among players as a 'food paradise.' Last year's winner, Taylor Pendrith, praised, "The players' dining was absolutely perfect. It was the best among PGA Tour events," while the world’s No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler, remarked, "The food I had at the CJ Cup was the most memorable." This year, the players' dining will feature 17 chefs invited from South Korea, showcasing the authenticity and prestige of Korean cuisine.
A representative from CJ Group stated, "CJ Group is doing its best to expand brand value through K-content, beyond merely hosting a tournament," adding that the 'HOUSE OF CJ' is a symbol that encompasses CJ Group's cultural vision and global branding strategy, and that the company will continue to strive for the spread of K-food and K-culture.
Notably, this year, Kai Trump, granddaughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, will visit the tournament venue. Known for her interest in Korean culture, Kai plans to visit the tournament, sample Bibigo food, and experience the K-culture feast presented at the CJ Cup at the 'HOUSE OF CJ.'
Meanwhile, the CJ Cup will feature global star players, including current world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, former world No. 1 Jordan Spieth, and PGA Tour rookie of the year Will Zalatoris. Additionally, a total of 156 PGA Tour players, including TEAM CJ members Kim Si-woo, An Byeong-hun, Im Sung-jae, Choi Seung-bin, and Chris Kim, will compete fiercely for the Korean trophy.
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