Is this year’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson cursed? The 2025 edition of this renowned tournament is encountering hitherto unheard-of difficulties, including a wave of participant withdrawals and persistent weather-related cancellations. There have been some setbacks at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.

Will Zalatoris, a local favorite, famously withdrew because of a back flare-up, stating that he needed time to recuperate and prevent long-term problems. Sungjae Im also had to withdraw owing to illness just before his scheduled tee time. To make matters worse, storms continued all day, and lightning in the neighborhood forced the suspension of the second round. With fans already on edge from high-profile withdrawals, the sudden halt of play due to weather only intensified tensions on and off the course.

Golf world livid as round of PGA tour event halts abruptly

Due to lightning in the region, the PGA Tour stated on Friday morning that the second round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson would not be held. At TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, the stop was made at 9:46 a.m., with thunderstorms expected to last all day. Scottie Scheffler, the leader in the first round, was 2-under-par after nine holes, making him 12 under for the event when he was suspended.

“The second round of play at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson was suspended at 9:46 a.m. due to lightning in the area,” the PGA Tour’s communication staff informed spectators. “Storms continue in the area, and second-round play remains suspended,” they tweeted. Players and spectators were irritated by this sudden stop, particularly considering how turbulent the competition had begun.

This year has presented several difficulties, including the disruptions caused by the weather. Due to a back flare-up, Will Zalatoris, a local favorite, withdrew, saying, “My back needs some rest and recovery. I am ahead of schedule according to my doctors, but unfortunately, the first six months back are the most important for the long-term health of my back.” To make matters worse for the competition, Sungjae Im also pulled out, claiming illness. The fans did not receive this incident well, especially regarding the event suspension and communication management, which the spectators and analysts questioned. Thus, as the skies grew darker over Texas, so did the mood online, where fans didn’t hold back in expressing their frustration.

Fans vent frustration over tournament’s turmoil

Fans have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, demonstrating that they have not overlooked the disturbances. The broad frustration was encapsulated by one fan’s comment, “Getting out of hand smfh wtf.” “3 hours we had to wait for this update,” said another commenter, underscoring the organizers’ tardiness in communicating.

A few fans attempted to make light of the circumstance. One commenter mockingly said, “Thank u admin this is better than nothing!” while pointing out the scant changes that were offered. More harsh comments were made by others, who suggested that the weather delays might be used to control the play conditions. One person said, “More excuses for lift, clean, and CHEAT.”Another fan highlighted the seeming overreaction to the weather by drawing a comparison to personal occasions, stating, “If my wedding was outside in this type of weather we wouldn’t suspend it.”

The patience of golf fans has surely been put to the limit by the combination of player withdrawals and weather delays. To boost confidence and guarantee a more seamless experience for players and spectators, organizers must fix these issues as the competition goes on.