2021 PGA Tour Travelers Championship Preview
- Updated: June 24, 2021
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The PGA Tour heads to famed TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT for the Travelers Championship. Some call it the 5th major. Most don’t, but we here at TIS hold close ties to this event so for all intents and purposes, it’s a major.
Here’s a look at the key holes, the field, and a few picks to consider:
The course
The par 70 layout has yielded some ridiculously low scores through the years, including a 58 by Jim “Free Flowing” Furyk in 2016. It’s pretty much the complete opposite of the prior week’s US Open, with par being a mere suggestion and a typical winning score of 15 to 20 under. Don’t be fooled though, this course has plenty of character and a closing stretch that will test your nerves to their core. Holes 15, 16, and 17 present an interesting challenge and opportunity for those in contention to pick up some strokes.
The 15th is a drivable par 4 that stands right up there with some of the notable ones on Tour. Measuring just under 300 yards, it presents an opportunity for even the shorter hitters to get one up there close to the green. Anything right or long will run off into a collection area well below the surface of the two tiered green. Anything even a couple feet left of the green is flirting with the water, making the choice to go for it a bit unnerving for anyone with a left miss. Eagles and doubles at 15 will make or break rounds throughout the week.
The 16th is a stingy par 3 that measures in at just 171, but is all carry over water and on an exposed part of the property where the winds can play a factor. The green has some sever undulations and has been known for some sucker pins over the years. Middle of the green all 4 days would do just fine.
The 17th is your average slicer’s worst nightmare. The 420 yard par 4 wraps itself around a pond and requires ultimate precision on the tee shot. Players will take anything from long irons to driver off this tee to fit their shot between the fairway bunkers and the water’s edge. The second shot is all carry over the water and will test the players and their loopers to pull the right club under pressure
We’ve all heard of “The Bear Trap” at PGA National, “The Snake Pit” at Innisbrook, and the one and only “Amen Corner.” Well 15 through 17 at River Highlands is too good not to have a name too, so let’s make that happen. Your move TPC.
The Field
Throughout the years, this event has gotten a mixed bag of fields. It almost always falls the week directly following the US Open and often times the location of said major championship plays a factor on who will be making the trip to Connecticut. However, in spite of being held across the country from Torrey (with no direct flights), the event has a pretty stacked field this year. In addition to defending champion Dustin Johnson, we have Bryson, Brooksy, Bubba, Rickie, Cantlay, Paul Casey, and Phil. They’re definitely missing a few big names, but Max Homa, Harry “The Big Rig” Higgs, and Pat Perez should more than make up for Jordan and JT’s absence.
Picks
Bubba Watson. He absolutely loves this place with 3 wins throughout his impressive career – more than he has at any other single venue. Included in those 3 wins is his first ever victory on Tour, defeating Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank in a playoff while presumably outdriving them each by 75 yards. On top of all that, Bubba looks to be in decent form with a respectable first two days at Torrey. Look for him to settle into his comfort zone at one of his favorite courses.
Matt Wolff. The young gun with the unique swing is in the field this week and is one to keep an eye on. After taking some time off for himself, he appears to be in a better place mentally after a T15 at Torrey. River Highlands is a good opportunity for him to continue building momentum, and more importantly to continue to enjoy himself out there.
Stewart Cink. The 48 year old already has 2 wins this wraparound season including a blowout at Harbor Town. He has won here twice and just like Bubba, his first victory on Tour came here back in 1997. He looks to build on his newfound momentum with another W at a course where he knows how to get it done.
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