TPC Craig Ranch has quickly gained a reputation as a course for hitters since becoming the host of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in 2021. The field averages a score of 69.23, making it one of the lowest aggregate scores on the PGA Tour schedule. Players have seized the opportunity to go on the offensive and post low scores, with winning scores of -23, -26, and -25 in the past three years.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Phil Smith, TPC Craig Ranch opened in 2004. The course was originally surrounded by pastures and reflected the rural cowboy culture of north Dallas. However, over the years, it has been enveloped by suburban sprawl. Despite this, the course remains attractive, utilizing the creek, gentle terrain, and Weiskopf’s bunkering in interesting ways.
Players can get off to a strong start at TPC Craig Ranch with three par 5s that play like par 4½s, averaging below 4.5 strokes per round. However, the two-shot holes are where players can make or break their rounds. Weiskopf’s design includes two drivable par 4s, the 361-yard sixth and the 330-yard 14th, offering scoring opportunities for daring players.
Weiskopf’s design at TPC Craig Ranch highlights the strategic importance of the sixth and 14th holes, both drivable par 4s. The sixth requires a risky drive to potentially set up a birdie opportunity, while the 14th offers a more straightforward risk/reward scenario with water running along the left and four bunkers protecting the green.
Approaching the sixth and 14th holes tactically is crucial for players aiming to score low at TPC Craig Ranch. While the sixth hole sees fewer players attempting to go for the green, the reward for taking on the added risk is not always clear. The greens play a significant role in determining the success of these holes, with the small, relatively flat sixth green allowing for more one-putts compared to the challenging 14th green.
The drivable par 4s at TPC Craig Ranch present a unique challenge for players, requiring a balance of risk and reward. The course’s layout, incorporating Weiskopf’s design principles, offers scoring opportunities for those willing to take calculated risks. As the host of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, TPC Craig Ranch continues to test professional golfers and provide an exciting venue for spectators.
