Taylor Pendrith wins CJ Cup Byron Nelson

MCKINNEY, TX — Taylor Pendrith captured his first PGA Tour title with a one shot victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch. Pendrith’s win came in dramatic fashion as he took the lead with a birdie on the final hole and post 23-under par.

Playing partner Ben Kohles had taken the lead with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 and took a one shot lead to the 72nd hole. Kohles took two chips to get out of the greenside rough and subsequently missed a 6 foot par outt that would have forced a playoff.

“Doesn’t feel real yet still. All a blur the last hour. To hear that sounds amazing,” Pendrith said. “And it’s been something that I’ve been working towards my whole career and to finally get it done feels unbelievable.”

Pendrith’s win came in his 74th PGA Tour start. He won the first place prize of $1.7 million and 500 FedEx Cup points.

“I’m not a huge golf history guy, but Byron Nelson is a special name, and for my name to be on that trophy is super special,” Pendrith said. “You know, it feels unbelievable, and to see some of those names on this trophy, it’s crazy. I still can’t believe that I’m a winner of this tournament.”

Alex Noren fired a 65 and to finish in third at 21-under.

Pendrith’s victory gets him into the next three PGA Tour Signature events, the PGA Championship and next year’s Masters. Kohles and Noren also qualified for next week’s Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club based off their finishes this week in north Texas. 

Jordan Spieth, the highest ranked player in the field, missed the cut.

Defending champion Jason Day made the cut on the number, but did not contend on the weekend and finished at 8-under for the week.

2008 Byron Nelson champion Adam Scott finished in a tie for 30th at 14-under.

16-year old amateur Kris Kim made the cut in his PGA Tour debut and finished the weekend at 6-under.