THE CJ CUP History & Byron Nelson's Legacy
Almost 100 Years in the Making
The rich history of the Byron Nelson golf tournament dates back to 1926 when it was initially known as the Dallas Open. After a hiatus, the event returned in 1944 as the Texas Victory Open, a notable year where Byron Nelson secured victory by an impressive 10 strokes. Over the years, the tournament underwent various name changes before officially becoming the Byron Nelson Classic in 1968, coinciding with its designation as an official stop on the PGA TOUR.
Distinguished as one of two PGA TOUR events named after a professional golfer, alongside the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the tournament has held a unique status throughout its history. In 2023, CJ Group took on the role of the official title sponsor, committing to a decade-long partnership with THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Held annually in May at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, the tournament consistently attracts top-tier players from around the world.
Byron Nelson's Legacy
Byron's Life and His Withstanding Legacy in the World
Byron Nelson’s golf achievements are well documented with 52 professional victories, five major championships, and an impressive year of 18 victories in 1945, highlighted by an unprecedented 11 wins in a row, that still holds strong over 75 years later. One of the true legends of professional golf, Mr. Nelson etched out a career unlike anyone who played the game before or anyone who has played since. While his awe-inspiring accomplishments in the game of golf are widely revered, Mr. Nelson was perhaps best known as a true gentleman of the game. His kindness and dedication to his community won the respect and admiration of his peers, present-day players and fans of all ages.
Oak Hollow Golf Course History
Ashburn General Hospital was formally dedicated on August 12, 1943 and was soon operating at capacity treating wounded American soldiers from all over the world.
Soon after opening, two professional golfers – Byron Nelson and, at the time, US Army First Lieutenant Ben Hogan - began raising funds through local golf tournaments to finance a nine-hole golf course next to the hospital so that wounded American veterans could learn the game of a lifetime while recovering from their injuries.
One particular event held in 1944, named the Texas Victory Open, was hosted at Lakewood Country Club in Dallas and netted approximately $22,000 for use toward the construction of this hospital golf course. The tournament was won by Byron Nelson, who is now the tournament's namesake.
In 1945, Bryon Nelson helped dedicate Ashburn Golf Course by participating in an exhibition and other opening day festivities. Nelson took high honors in the long drive competition with a distance of 280 yards to Sam Snead’s 275.
Today, the North Texas Jobs Corps occupies the former hospital site and the original nine-hole public course continued on for over 50 years until in 1998 when the City of McKinney converted it into an 18-hole championship layout now known as Oak Hollow.
