– Scottie Scheffler (-8) and Austin Eckroat (-8) are the leaders of the Travelers Championship, the last of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour season, after both carded 62 in the first round. The World Number One and defending champion has started off strong, with much less demanding playing conditions than last week at Oakmont, which does not mean, of course, that low scores were handed out: the recent US Open winner, J. J. Spaun (+3), for instance, recorded a 73 and is certainly out of contention for the win.
– The TPC River Highlands (Cromwell, Connecticut) is undoubtedly a fantastic course, but with a milder profile and less tough preparation that players truly appreciate after the challenges faced at the hands of the USGA. An absolutely staggering and certainly amusing fact: in this first round of the Travelers, there have been up to seven bogey-free rounds, while in the last two editions of the US Open (Oakmont 2025 and Pinehurst 2024), the total sum of immaculate, bogey-free rounds only reached six. In Oakmont, in fact, there was only one, that Thursday wonder by the eventual winner, Spaun.
– At times it seemed that Scheffler might break sixty, once he made an eagle on the 13th hole, but a bogey on the 17th denied him the pleasure. The Texan has been one of the best putters on the course, just like Eckroat and Rory McIlroy (-6), who this week seems to have regained his balance and keeps expressing how comfortable he feels in Connecticut, coming from a US Open. In any case, we already know what happens when Scottie flows on the greens.
– Despite the co-leaders’ display, it must be acknowledged that the TPC River Highlands is a bit tougher than last year, especially due to the effect of a rough that is no joke. So frustration, golf’s intimate friend, also appears this week, especially among those who are unable to conquer the course. And there were quite a few in the first round. Besides the aforementioned Spaun, Adam Scott (+2) also did not escape unscathed from the battle. Nor did Ludvig Aberg (+1) or Sepp Straka (+4), who are certainly not at their best (both missed the cut last week). The bad news of the day was led by Jordan Spieth, who had to withdraw after playing twelve holes and enduring severe neck discomfort almost from the start of the round.
– Let’s return to Spaun. Alongside him, Scheffler started the round by sinking a putt of over four metres for birdie, but he was ice-cold on the greens and not particularly inspired in his approach shots. He played at a slow pace. It should not be held against him, of course, but surely today he learned some lessons playing alongside a Number One of the era who is always the centre of attention. Now it’s J. J.’s turn to defend his newly earned World Number 8 with gallantry over the remaining 54 holes.
