Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 golfer, came close to shooting a remarkable 59 during the opening round of the Travelers Championship on Thursday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Instead, he finished with an 8-under-par 62, tying for the lead alongside Austin Eckroat as the tournament kicked off.
Highlights and Key Moments from Thursday’s Opening Round
Scheffler was impressively 9 under par through 15 holes at the par-70 layout before settling for par on the 16th hole. His first bogey came on the 17th after a three-putt, which spoiled his chance to break 60. Eckroat matched Scheffler’s 62 without any bogeys, including a standout eagle-birdie-birdie run between holes 13 and 15. Their performance set them two shots ahead of a group featuring Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, Wyndham Clark, and 2023 Travelers champion Keegan Bradley, all posting 6-under 64s. Bradley’s past victory and Scheffler’s win last year added extra intrigue to their efforts.
Other Notable Performances and Player Updates
Cameron Young holds sixth place alone at 5-under 65, while a large group tied at 4-under 66 includes notable names such as Norway’s Viktor Hovland, England’s Tommy Fleetwood, and Australia’s Jason Day. J.J. Spaun, who played alongside Scheffler after winning his first major title at the U.S. Open last weekend, struggled with a 3-over 73. Notably, there is no 36-hole cut this week, allowing all players to complete the tournament. Jordan Spieth withdrew after completing 12 holes due to a neck and upper back injury.
Implications for the Final Regular Season Event at the Travelers Championship
The Travelers Championship serves as the last tournament of the regular season, making performances here crucial for players’ standings moving forward. Scheffler’s early charge and shared lead put him in a strong position to defend his title, while Eckroat’s steady bogey-free round signals potential for a breakthrough. With established stars like McIlroy and Bradley close behind, the competition remains fierce as the event progresses.