ESPN Golf: Koepka Lurks One Back, Scheffler Rallies Late at Byron Nelson Day 1

Round One Summary

Taylor Moore posted a career-best 64 at TPC Craig Ranch to lead the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at 9-under. The 33-year-old, who has just one PGA Tour victory in 128 starts, made a clutch 14-foot birdie putt on the par-5 ninth to cap his round.

Koepka Ignites at Redesigned Course

Brooks Koepka sits one shot back after firing 8-under 63, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 12th and four birdies over a five-hole stretch on his back nine. It was a confident display from the five-time major champion, who is still searching for his first PGA Tour win since rejoining from LIV Golf.

The TPC Craig Ranch layout underwent a $25 million redesign led by Lanny Wadkins — adding bunkers throughout and overhauling the greens with mounds and ridges. Koepka, who last played the course in 2021, noted the putting surfaces were virtually unrecognizable.

Scheffler Recovers Late

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler found himself trailing his playing partners early but birdied three of his final five holes to post 5-under 66. The defending champion, who won last year's Nelson by eight strokes at 31-under, acknowledged feeling "lapped" at points during the round.

Si Woo Kim (64) and Jesper Svensson (64) round out the top of a competitive leaderboard heading into Friday.

Strokeslab Take

With Koepka's PGA Tour reinstatement restricting him from signature events, a win here carries extra weight — not just for confidence, but for his broader standing. Watch his SG: Approach numbers over the weekend; his iron game will determine whether he can hold off Scheffler's inevitable charge.