The 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Round 2 Preview and Analysis

The 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson moves into its second round this Friday at TPC Craig Ranch, with the leaderboard tightening as players look to secure their positions heading into the weekend. After a blistering opening round, the field is set for a high-stakes day of golf in Texas.

Tournament Leaders and Contenders

The narrative of the opening round was dominated by the performance of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka. Koepka, who is navigating a strategic return to the PGA Tour’s premier events, delivered an impressive opening score of 63. His bogey-free round, which included an eagle and six birdies, leaves him tied for second place alongside Jesper Svensson.

Taylor Moore currently holds the solo lead following a remarkable 62, setting a demanding pace for the rest of the field. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler remains well within striking distance, having posted a five-under 66 during his opening effort. As the second round progresses, the focus will be on whether these leaders can maintain their momentum or if the chasing pack can capitalize on scoring opportunities at TPC Craig Ranch.

How to Watch and Stream

Golf fans have multiple options to follow the action throughout the day. Whether you prefer traditional television broadcasts or digital streaming, the second round is covered extensively.

• TV Coverage: Golf Channel will broadcast live coverage of the second round from 3:00 p.m. To 7:00 p.m. ET.
• Digital Streaming: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ provides exclusive early coverage beginning at 7:45 a.m. ET. This service also offers featured group and featured hole coverage throughout the entire day.
• Simulcast: Viewers can access a live simulcast of the Golf Channel broadcast via the GOLF App.

Key Round 2 Tee Times (All times ET)

The second round features several marquee pairings as players look to navigate the course conditions. Notable groupings include:

• 8:44 a.m. (Tee No. 1): William Mouw, Joe Highsmith, and Matt Kuchar
• 8:33 a.m. (Tee No. 10): Chris Kirk, Jordan Spieth, and Sungjae Im
• 1:43 p.m. (Tee No. 1): Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, and Si Woo Kim
• 1:54 p.m. (Tee No. 1): Stephan Jaeger, Wyndham Clark, and Blades Brown
• 2:05 p.m. (Tee No. 1): Jhonattan Vegas, Tony Finau, and Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking Ahead

As the CJ Cup Byron Nelson reaches its halfway point, the leaderboard suggests a competitive weekend ahead. With the current scoring trend at TPC Craig Ranch, players will need to maintain precision on the greens to keep pace with the leaders. The afternoon grouping of Scheffler, Koepka, and Si Woo Kim is expected to be a primary focal point, as these players look to establish dominance before the cut is finalized.

Stay tuned for further updates as we track the tournament’s progress and identify who will emerge as the frontrunner for the title.