World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, Dallas royalty Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka. These are just a few of the world’s top players who will tee it up in McKinney next week at the AT&T Byron Nelson, played for the second year at TPC Craig Ranch.
Last year’s inaugural edition at TPC Craig Ranch was spectacular, and this year’s is expected to be even better. The AT&T Byron Nelson announced yesterday that the tournament is sold out of general admission and hospitality area tickets for the first time since 2008.
Good thing I got tickets in advance.
The real beauty is that this will be the first full-blown gallery since 2019 – no limitations or restrictions due to a pandemic. And with plenty of room (and shade) to move around, TPC Craig Ranch will be the place to be next week.
Back to that strong field. The tournament has commitments from four of the top 10 players in the world and 10 of the top 20 (and that’s prior to the final field being announced late today). This might easily be the strongest overall field for tournament since Byron Nelson passed away in 2006, the all-time great who was the best natural recruiter for the event bearing his name.
If you were lucky enough to be at the AT&T Byron Nelson last year, you saw the fantastic initial stage of a stadium-like experience on hole 17. The overall venue has been expanded for year No. 2 at Craig Ranch.
There are new enhanced viewing areas available this year, including the Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge on the 18thgreen, the Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker on 9, the Cadillac Club on the 12th green, and the Meiomi Wine Lounge on the 14th green.
There’s a Saturday night concert this year with country music star Lee Brice and opening act Band of Heathens. Unlike the golf, tickets for the concert are still available and can be purchased through the tournament’s website.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the AT&T Byron Nelson is spotlighting the work of its beneficiary, Momentous Institute, which has been paving the way for mental health for over 100 years. As struggles with anxiety, depression and trauma are on the rise, the work of Momentous Institute has never been more relevant and important. With a focus on removing stigmas and providing better access to programs that help establish mental health as a cornerstone of community wellness, Momentous Institute is changing the odds for children and helping to build healthy and equitable communities. A new fundraising initiative, Birdies for Mental Health, allows participants to pledge a donation for birdies made at the event to support Momentous Institute.
In addition, the AT&T Birdies for Students program will once again donate $2500 for every birdie or better made on the 17th hole during competition, helping to connect more students to the internet and improve their educational experiences.
All active, retired, reserved and veteran military members receive complimentary admission, as well as children 15 and younger who are accompanied by a ticketed adult.
It all starts with the Healthcare Highways Pro-Am on Wednesday, followed by round one competition beginning on Thursday at 7:00 a.m.
Don’t have tickets for the AT&T Byron Nelson? Better find a friend who does. Don’t even think of asking me; I’ll be at the 17th green.
