The tournament, which has been held since 1968, is named after professional golfer Byron Nelson. The tournament is hosted by The Salesmanship Club of Dallas and benefits the Momentous Institute, a mental health-focused organization.
“The heart of the tournament at the end of the day is more than what happens during four days of the golf tournament, but it’s ... what the tournament supports,” 2023 Tournament Chair Jeff Eckert said.
Since its inception, the tournament has raised $180 million for its charity beneficiary, including a record high $7.6 million in 2022, according to a news release from the organization.
The 2022 event also resulted in over $28 million in economic impact, including nearly $18 million in direct spending in McKinney, according to a news release. The event is guaranteed to stay in the city through its five-year commitment ending in 2025, according to the event’s website.
1. The introduction of Ranch17
The tournament’s signature 17th hole is being rebranded as Ranch17, inspired by the namesake of the tournament, Byron Nelson.
“When Mr. Nelson was younger and playing professional golf, one of his dreams was to someday own a ranch in Texas in the [Dallas-Fort Worth] area,” Eckert said.
Ranch17 will feature a fully enclosed stadium-style environment with two levels of seating, Eckert said. The tournament’s signature 17th hole has featured similar designs in previous years. This year’s 17th hole has a capacity of 6,000 people per day.
2. Increased event capacity
The tournament has continued increasing capacity since its first year in McKinney. The 2023 event will have increased seating and expanded public venues, Eckert said.
Returning public venues include an expanded Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker as well as the age 21-and-over Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge that is being moved from 18 Green to the 18 fairway entrance.
Ticket sales for the event are trending positively, with 83% of tickets sold as of the middle of April, according to a tournament representative.
General admission tickets are $75 per day and can be purchased at www.attbyronnelson.org/spectators/tickets.
3. Traffic and road closures
While the tournament goes on, drivers in the area can expect some shifts in traffic patterns. The SH 121 westbound north frontage road between Alma Road and Craig Ranch Parkway/Exchange Parkway is scheduled to close from May 10-14.
Closing the road will help with ingress and egress to the event, the city of McKinney stated in a March 21 resolution. Roads surrounding the golf course will also have various closures, along with parking restrictions, according to tournament officials.
4. Family-friendly experience
The tournament’s newest addition is The Corral, a family-friendly public venue located on the 18 fairway.
The area is a family zone, Eckert said, and will include a mother’s area, games for children and more.
“We’ve got a big focus on the patron experience,” Eckert said. “This is one of Texas’ and Dallas’ ... biggest events, and we want to make it an extremely memorable experience, because that’s what builds the momentum as we move into the next year.”
5. Free live music
The tournament will host two nights of live music performances. The concerts will be open to the public, including those without tickets to golf events, Eckert said.
“A lot of what we’re doing is kind of viewing this as a ‘Thank you, Collin County; thank you, McKinney,’ type [of] event,” Eckert said. “Not only our golf patrons will be able to stay and watch music, but we’re hopeful that people from the vicinity in [Dallas-Fort Worth] will come out.”
The live music performances will feature artists such as Hayden Haddock on May 12 as well as The Maylee Thomas Band and Buffalo Ruckus on May 13.
For more information about the 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.attbyronnelson.org.
