The Man Behind the Nelson
Featuring Jon Drago
EPISODE 009
Runtime: 55:55
Published: Monday, August 24, 2026
Topics: Golf • PGA TOUR • Byron Nelson • Leadership • Legacy • Service • Tournament Management
For more than two decades, Jon Drago has enjoyed one of the great front-row seats in North Texas golf as Tournament Director of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. But his story — and the story of the Nelson — extends far beyond what happens inside the ropes.
In this episode of the Fairways & Friends Pawdscast, PGA Master Professional Courtney Connell sits down with Jon to trace a golf journey that began alongside his father and eventually led him to one of the PGA TOUR’s most storied events.
Jon shares what it really takes to stage a PGA TOUR tournament, from coordinating thousands of people and countless behind-the-scenes details to navigating venue changes, unpredictable weather and the occasional crisis no spectator ever sees. He also reflects on the players and personalities he has encountered along the way and the relationships that have made a life in golf so meaningful.
At the heart of the conversation is the extraordinary legacy of Byron Nelson. Jon shares personal memories of Mr. Nelson, the responsibility he feels in helping preserve his name and values, and the tournament’s remarkable charitable mission — one that has now surpassed $200 million in giving.
Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than running a golf tournament. It’s about leadership, friendship, service, purpose and what can happen when the game of golf becomes a vehicle for something bigger.
Meet the Guest
Guest: Jon Drago
Profession: Tournament Director
Known For: THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
Genres/Topics: PGA TOUR • Tournament Management • Leadership • Golf • Philanthropy • Legacy
For more than two decades, Jon Drago has helped lead one of North Texas golf’s most celebrated traditions, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.
Jon’s path to professional golf wasn’t necessarily planned. What began with childhood rounds alongside his father eventually led to a career as a PGA Professional and opportunities with the PGA of America before bringing him home to North Texas and the Byron Nelson.
Today, his work encompasses far more than tournament week. From coordinating staff, volunteers, vendors, players and partners to helping preserve the legacy of Byron Nelson, Jon has spent his career using golf to bring people together and make a difference.
Underpinning it all is the tournament’s charitable mission. With more than $200 million raised, the Nelson has demonstrated the extraordinary impact the game can have far beyond the golf course.
Episode Highlights
- How golf with his father shaped Jon’s lifelong connection to the game
- The unexpected career turn that led him from aspiring lawyer to golf professional
- Becoming a steward of Byron Nelson’s remarkable legacy
- How THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson has surpassed $200 million in charitable giving
- What it really takes behind the scenes to stage a PGA TOUR event
- Memorable players, personalities and unpredictable tournament moments
- Why relationships, service and giving back remain at the heart of Jon’s career
Jump to a Topic
- 1:25 — How Golf Found Jon Drago
- 10:25 — Finding His Place in Tournament Golf
- 13:44 — Carrying Byron Nelson’s Legacy Forward
- 26:55 — Behind the Scenes of a PGA TOUR Event
- 36:46 — The Craziest Moments Behind the Nelson
- 45:00 — What Golf Has Taught Jon About Life
“Golf has given me direction. It has given me livelihood. It has given me opportunity. It has given me joy. It has given me friendships… it’s given me everything.”