By Chris Havlicek
Updated 6/19/24 1:12pm ET
The Travelers Championship marks the PGA Tour’s final Signature Event of the season, hosted by TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. New England native Keegan Bradley was victorious last year, and now he will try to become the first back-to-back winner since Phil Mickelson in 2001-02.
The world’s top-ranked golfer is coming off a disappointing showing at the U.S. Open, but Scottie Scheffler is the +350 favorite. Other contenders include Xander Schauffele +750, Collin Morikawa +1200, Ludvig Aberg +1800, and Viktor Hovland +1800.
Rory McIlroy, who opened as one of the favorites, withdrew on Monday. He posted online about a desire to take some time away from golf, following an excruciating back nine on Sunday led to a runner-up U.S. Open finish.
Of note, U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau will not play at this event due to his commitment to LIV Golf.
Dates/Location:
What: The Travelers Championship
Where: TPC River Highlands (Cromwell, Connecticut)
When: Thursday-Sunday, June 20 – June 23
Purse: $20 Million, $3.6 Million (Winner)
Defending Champion: Keegan Bradley
The Field:
We have a smaller field this week with the Signature Event status and McIlroy’s withdrawal, leaving 71 players. Seven of the top 10 players in the world will participate.
The Course:
TPC River Highlands is a short Pete Dye design. It is a par 70 that plays less than 6,900 yards. The crowds are a big part of the draw here and that is one of the reasons the PGA Tour is making this an elevated event for the second straight season. Scoring will be easier than what we’ve seen in the past two weeks. The average winning score over the last five seasons is better than 18-under par.
These signature events are usually played on longer and tougher golf courses but TPC River Highlands doesn’t fit that mold. This tournament is usually won at around 20-under par or lower. Since this tournament is played on such a short golf course, the entire field will be a factor in the tournament.
Top 10 Odds: (Courtesy of FanDuel):
Scottie Scheffler +360
Xander Schauffele +750
Colin Morikawa +1200
Ludvig Aberg +1400
Viktor Hovland +1800
Patrick Cantlay +2000
Hideki Matsuyama +2500
Sam Burns +3000
Tommy Fleetwood +3000
Tony Finau +3300
Justin Thomas +4000
Keys To Victory:
Long-ball hitters like Scottie Scheffler and short-game wizards like Jordan Spieth have both contended here in the past. No one-style of play dictates success at TPC River Highlands, as evidenced by the diverse champions from prior years.
However, one thing is certain – golfers who hit their wedges the closest or roll the most 15-foot birdie putts will come out on top this week. This is annually one of the hardest tournaments to predict a winner on the PGA Tour.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock
