HP Byron Nelson Championship preview

This week, the PGA Tour returns to Texas for the HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons in Irving

This week, the PGA Tour returns to Texas for the HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons in Irving.

As usual, a strong field - headlined by Players Championship winner Martin Kaymer and joint third-round leader Jordan Spieth - has assembled.

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Matt Kuchar and Charl Schwartzel are also on the starting sheet.

The event started life in 1944 as the Texas Victory Open, with Nelson, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan reigning supreme in the first three playings of the prestigious championship. It became the Byron Nelson Golf Classic in 1968 - named after the event's first winner.

Since then, the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have all triumphed in the Byron Nelson Championship.

The TPC Four Seasons has staged the tournament since 1994, but it shared hosting responsibilities with the Cottonwood Valley Course until 2007.

It’s a 7,166-yard par-70 course characterised by tree-lined fairways, large putting surfaces and numerous water features

Venue: TPC Four Seasons, Irving, Texas Date: May 15-18 Course stats: 7,166 yards, par 70 Purse: $6,900,000; Winning share: $1,242,000 Defending champion: Sang-Moon Bae (-13)

Byron Nelson Championship Television coverage:

Thursday 15 - 8pm , Sky Sports 4 Friday 16 - 8pm, Sky Sports 4 Saturday 17 - 8pm, Sky Sports 4 Sunday 18 - 7pm, Sky Sports 4

Player watch:

Jordan Spieth - Will be determined to notch a second PGA Tour victory after close calls at The Masters and The Players Championship. He's also from Texas.

Jimmy Walker - Already has three wins on the PGA Tour this season. Finished 6th at The Players after a final-round 65 and currently ranks first on tour in Strokes Gained - Putting.

Ryan Palmer - The Texas native often plays his best golf on home soil. He lost in a play-off here in 2011 and finished inside the top 10 in 2012.

Key hole: 15th – this tough 505-yard par 4 is a slight dogleg from right to left with trees along both sides. Make four pars and you'll be delighted.

Skills required: Total driving. If you hit it long and straight, you should be able to find the large, undulating putting surfaces and avoid numerous trees and water features.