PGA Tour Tips & Preview
Travelers Championship
Starts - 25th June 2020
Course - TPC River Highlands, Connecticut
Par - 70 (35-35)
Length – 6,841 yards
Grass type – Poa Annua (Bentgrass mix)
Defending Champion - Chez Reavie
Course - TPC River Highlands, Connecticut
Par - 70 (35-35)
Length – 6,841 yards
Grass type – Poa Annua (Bentgrass mix)
Defending Champion - Chez Reavie
Course Info
TPC River Highlands has hosted this event since 1991. It is a short, par 70, course with four par 3s and only two par 5s, the 6th and 13th. The course was redesigned by Pete Dye in 1982 and underwent further changes in 1989 from Bobby Reed and PGA Tour Design Services Inc.
Be aware that the greens used to be Bentgrass and ran quite slow, but an overhaul several years ago saw Poa Annua introduced with the greens now notably faster.
According to Stewart Cink, holes 15-18 offer "four of the most exciting finishing holes in a group anywhere in the world". The 15th is a driveable par 4 but the 16th and 17th are much harder and par is a good score.
The greens are smaller than average yet it remains a course that players can get after. It's where Jim Furyk recorded the lowest round in PGA Tour history, shooting a 58 in 2016. It is also the course where the lowest amateur round was recorded (Patrick Cantlay shot 60 in 2011).
In the last 6 years the average winning score has been 15 under and the winning score hasn't been worse than 12 under.
This tournament is one of the few not to be affected by scheduling changes as a result of Coronavirus and it occupies its traditional June slot. This is usually a highly attended event, ranking only behind the Waste Management Phoenix Open for spectator attendance on the PGA Tour.
Significant Quotes
"If you get a little too aggressive you can miss some greens in the wrong spots, it makes it very hard to get the ball up-and-down." Patrick Reed, 2018.
"It's a fun place to play, because if you get hot you can shoot 9-, 10-under no problem. If you're just a little bit off you seem to shoot even par at this place, which can be quite frustrating, but that's the sign of a really good golf course." Brooks Koepka, 2019.
Significant Info To Be Aware Of
Nick Watney became the first player to contract Covid-19 last week when competing at the RBC Heritage. No other players have tested positive but we should be alert to the possibility. This is particularly relevant given Justin Thomas described Hilton Head (the area hosting last weeks event) as being "like an absolute zoo".
Continue to exercise caution at the outset, especially in relation to those who haven't teed it up yet and keep a watching brief in play.
Trends
With one exception (Jordan Spieth in 2017), every winner in the last twenty years has played this event before. However, there are more course debutants teeing it up this week after golf's hiatus. We should place less emphasis than normal on this particular trend.
Course form is weighted heavily, with a number of players recording multiple wins here (Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink etc). Some have recorded multiple top 10 finishes in a short time frame (Paul Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Ryan Moore etc).
Left handers have a strong record at TPC River Highlands, with Bubba Watson being a three time winner, Phil Mickelson has won twice and Brian Harman recorded three top 8 finishes in the past five years. However, as Mickelson pointed out last year, this probably has more to do with the aggressive style these guys have,
"That is the way Bubba likes to play and the way I've always liked to play. When you're on, this is a course that will allow you to make birdies. Doesn't matter if you're left-handed or right-handed."
Traditionally the Travelers is played the week after the US Open and the general rule is that contending at the US Open means you don't contend at the Travelers. As an example, Brooks Koepka cited he was "mentally exhausted" before teeing off here last year (he went on to finish 57th). We don't have to worry about that this year but don't be put off if a player you wish to back has recorded a bad finish in a year where they have challenged at a US Open.
Despite being low scoring affairs, the Travelers is generally won by Americans (only three other nationalities since 2000). Other than the last two years (Chez Reavie and Bubba Watson won by 4 and 3 respectively) it is generally a close contest. Eight ot the events prior to 2018 were won by a single stroke or a playoff.
Stats Analysis
Strokes Gained: Approach is the key stat we are looking for this week. Given the fact players are firing at smaller than average greens. with pin positions often tucked away, accurate iron play is essential. Three of the last four winners have each ranked inside the top 10 for Strokes Gained: Approach and with birdies required that's no surprise.
It's also the key stat here given that the players with the best records (e.g. Watson, Mickelson, Spieth) are synonymous with The Masters, a course that also demands good Strokes Gained Approach stats.
It goes without saying that a hot putter is also beneficial here. Players who are confident on the greens should be preferred.
In-play
In general, 54-hole leaders don't have a great record here with only three of the last ten leaders hanging on. Last year, Chez Reavie had a six shot lead but at one stage that was whittled down to a single shot before he pulled clear to win by four. Notable others who have failed to convert in recent years include Paul Casey (having led by four) and Daniel Berger.
As mentioned above, the final four holes provide an exciting finish and leads can disappear quickly. Don't be afraid to back players a few shots off the pace as there are multiple examples of players coming from 6+ shots back with a round to go here.
*As ever, follow our daily in-play updates and tips on our Travelers Championship in-play page*
TPC River Highlands has hosted this event since 1991. It is a short, par 70, course with four par 3s and only two par 5s, the 6th and 13th. The course was redesigned by Pete Dye in 1982 and underwent further changes in 1989 from Bobby Reed and PGA Tour Design Services Inc.
Be aware that the greens used to be Bentgrass and ran quite slow, but an overhaul several years ago saw Poa Annua introduced with the greens now notably faster.
According to Stewart Cink, holes 15-18 offer "four of the most exciting finishing holes in a group anywhere in the world". The 15th is a driveable par 4 but the 16th and 17th are much harder and par is a good score.
The greens are smaller than average yet it remains a course that players can get after. It's where Jim Furyk recorded the lowest round in PGA Tour history, shooting a 58 in 2016. It is also the course where the lowest amateur round was recorded (Patrick Cantlay shot 60 in 2011).
In the last 6 years the average winning score has been 15 under and the winning score hasn't been worse than 12 under.
This tournament is one of the few not to be affected by scheduling changes as a result of Coronavirus and it occupies its traditional June slot. This is usually a highly attended event, ranking only behind the Waste Management Phoenix Open for spectator attendance on the PGA Tour.
Significant Quotes
"If you get a little too aggressive you can miss some greens in the wrong spots, it makes it very hard to get the ball up-and-down." Patrick Reed, 2018.
"It's a fun place to play, because if you get hot you can shoot 9-, 10-under no problem. If you're just a little bit off you seem to shoot even par at this place, which can be quite frustrating, but that's the sign of a really good golf course." Brooks Koepka, 2019.
Significant Info To Be Aware Of
Nick Watney became the first player to contract Covid-19 last week when competing at the RBC Heritage. No other players have tested positive but we should be alert to the possibility. This is particularly relevant given Justin Thomas described Hilton Head (the area hosting last weeks event) as being "like an absolute zoo".
Continue to exercise caution at the outset, especially in relation to those who haven't teed it up yet and keep a watching brief in play.
Trends
With one exception (Jordan Spieth in 2017), every winner in the last twenty years has played this event before. However, there are more course debutants teeing it up this week after golf's hiatus. We should place less emphasis than normal on this particular trend.
Course form is weighted heavily, with a number of players recording multiple wins here (Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink etc). Some have recorded multiple top 10 finishes in a short time frame (Paul Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Ryan Moore etc).
Left handers have a strong record at TPC River Highlands, with Bubba Watson being a three time winner, Phil Mickelson has won twice and Brian Harman recorded three top 8 finishes in the past five years. However, as Mickelson pointed out last year, this probably has more to do with the aggressive style these guys have,
"That is the way Bubba likes to play and the way I've always liked to play. When you're on, this is a course that will allow you to make birdies. Doesn't matter if you're left-handed or right-handed."
Traditionally the Travelers is played the week after the US Open and the general rule is that contending at the US Open means you don't contend at the Travelers. As an example, Brooks Koepka cited he was "mentally exhausted" before teeing off here last year (he went on to finish 57th). We don't have to worry about that this year but don't be put off if a player you wish to back has recorded a bad finish in a year where they have challenged at a US Open.
Despite being low scoring affairs, the Travelers is generally won by Americans (only three other nationalities since 2000). Other than the last two years (Chez Reavie and Bubba Watson won by 4 and 3 respectively) it is generally a close contest. Eight ot the events prior to 2018 were won by a single stroke or a playoff.
Stats Analysis
Strokes Gained: Approach is the key stat we are looking for this week. Given the fact players are firing at smaller than average greens. with pin positions often tucked away, accurate iron play is essential. Three of the last four winners have each ranked inside the top 10 for Strokes Gained: Approach and with birdies required that's no surprise.
It's also the key stat here given that the players with the best records (e.g. Watson, Mickelson, Spieth) are synonymous with The Masters, a course that also demands good Strokes Gained Approach stats.
It goes without saying that a hot putter is also beneficial here. Players who are confident on the greens should be preferred.
In-play
In general, 54-hole leaders don't have a great record here with only three of the last ten leaders hanging on. Last year, Chez Reavie had a six shot lead but at one stage that was whittled down to a single shot before he pulled clear to win by four. Notable others who have failed to convert in recent years include Paul Casey (having led by four) and Daniel Berger.
As mentioned above, the final four holes provide an exciting finish and leads can disappear quickly. Don't be afraid to back players a few shots off the pace as there are multiple examples of players coming from 6+ shots back with a round to go here.
*As ever, follow our daily in-play updates and tips on our Travelers Championship in-play page*
Travelers Championship - Six To Watch
As outlined in our Tipping Record, our strategy is to focus on speciality bets and value in-play. However, we have identified the following six players if you do wish to place a bet before the event begins:
Brooks Koepka - 20/1 @ William Hill
Last year Brooks described this as "one of my favourite events." He may have finished 57th last year but was on record as saying he was "mentally exhausted" and physically drained after contending in the US Open the week before. He's recorded a 9th place finish here in 2016 and a 19th place finish in 2018 despite having contended in Majors the week before.
Given that he's fresh and raring to go after a 7th place finish last week at the RBC Heritage, he'll likely be in the mix. The main concern is his putting on Poa Annua greens - but it hasn't stopped him winning two Majors on Poa!
Dustin Johnson - 28/1 @ BetVictor
Dustin has little course form here to speak of, a pair of top 35 finishes being his best return in two completed starts (he withdrew on one occasion). It can often take him a few weeks to get going and he publicly stated he did not practice much over the break for Coronavirus.
However, he warmed up nicely last week at the RBC Heritage with a 17th place finish. He was let down by his putting as he ranked 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off The Tee and 19th in Stokes Gained: Approach. A return to Poa Annua greens should see him putt better.
Marc Leishman - 50/1 @ Boylesports
Marc won here in 2012 and has recorded four top 25 finishes in his last six starts. He missed the cut at Colonial in his only start since the resumption of play, but our profile points out that Marc does not need to be playing well in order to pop up with a win or a high finish.
He made 11 birdies in his two rounds at Colonial, so he can make birdies around here - he just needs to reduce the errors.
Sergio Garcia - 50/1 @ William Hill
Sergio sprang back to form last week at the RBC Heritage, finishing 1st for SG: Tee to green and 2nd SG: Approach. Although his putting remains a concern, a change in the surface could help him.
He hasn't played River Highlands much recently so doesn't have notable course form. However, he is quoted as saying it reminds him of Sawgrass, where he has won and is worth a chance at 50/1.
Keegan Bradley - 125/1 @ Skybet
Keegan was runner-up last year and after a bit of digging we could have seen it coming. In his eight previous appearances he had never missed a cut, including a Top 10 in 2017.
This is his home tournament, as he said last year, "For me to be back here in New England, it's rejuvenating, so excited to be back. It's one of my favourite events, I love playing here". That runners-up spot followed 8 appearances without a Top 30 finish and this year he comes into the tournament in better shape.
A 32nd place finish at Charles Schwab with 13th SG: Putting (traditionally his weakness) was eye catching. If he can continue that putting with some improved ball striking he could contend.
Cameron Champ - 150/1 @ BetVictor
Cameron missed the cut here last year but entered the week in absolutely horrendous form. This time he starts on the back of an impressive 14th place finish at Charles Schwab where he finished 66-68 at the weekend.
Looking at his stats he was 19th SG: Tee to green and 22nd SG: Putting. A slight improvement on either category could lead to a good week. He was 3rd for driving distance which should be more of an advantage at River Highlands. This should be a course that suits.
Brooks Koepka - 20/1 @ William Hill
Last year Brooks described this as "one of my favourite events." He may have finished 57th last year but was on record as saying he was "mentally exhausted" and physically drained after contending in the US Open the week before. He's recorded a 9th place finish here in 2016 and a 19th place finish in 2018 despite having contended in Majors the week before.
Given that he's fresh and raring to go after a 7th place finish last week at the RBC Heritage, he'll likely be in the mix. The main concern is his putting on Poa Annua greens - but it hasn't stopped him winning two Majors on Poa!
Dustin Johnson - 28/1 @ BetVictor
Dustin has little course form here to speak of, a pair of top 35 finishes being his best return in two completed starts (he withdrew on one occasion). It can often take him a few weeks to get going and he publicly stated he did not practice much over the break for Coronavirus.
However, he warmed up nicely last week at the RBC Heritage with a 17th place finish. He was let down by his putting as he ranked 2nd in Strokes Gained: Off The Tee and 19th in Stokes Gained: Approach. A return to Poa Annua greens should see him putt better.
Marc Leishman - 50/1 @ Boylesports
Marc won here in 2012 and has recorded four top 25 finishes in his last six starts. He missed the cut at Colonial in his only start since the resumption of play, but our profile points out that Marc does not need to be playing well in order to pop up with a win or a high finish.
He made 11 birdies in his two rounds at Colonial, so he can make birdies around here - he just needs to reduce the errors.
Sergio Garcia - 50/1 @ William Hill
Sergio sprang back to form last week at the RBC Heritage, finishing 1st for SG: Tee to green and 2nd SG: Approach. Although his putting remains a concern, a change in the surface could help him.
He hasn't played River Highlands much recently so doesn't have notable course form. However, he is quoted as saying it reminds him of Sawgrass, where he has won and is worth a chance at 50/1.
Keegan Bradley - 125/1 @ Skybet
Keegan was runner-up last year and after a bit of digging we could have seen it coming. In his eight previous appearances he had never missed a cut, including a Top 10 in 2017.
This is his home tournament, as he said last year, "For me to be back here in New England, it's rejuvenating, so excited to be back. It's one of my favourite events, I love playing here". That runners-up spot followed 8 appearances without a Top 30 finish and this year he comes into the tournament in better shape.
A 32nd place finish at Charles Schwab with 13th SG: Putting (traditionally his weakness) was eye catching. If he can continue that putting with some improved ball striking he could contend.
Cameron Champ - 150/1 @ BetVictor
Cameron missed the cut here last year but entered the week in absolutely horrendous form. This time he starts on the back of an impressive 14th place finish at Charles Schwab where he finished 66-68 at the weekend.
Looking at his stats he was 19th SG: Tee to green and 22nd SG: Putting. A slight improvement on either category could lead to a good week. He was 3rd for driving distance which should be more of an advantage at River Highlands. This should be a course that suits.
Travelers Championship - Our Bets
Chris returned to our attention last week with a 28th place finish, after being two off the lead through 54 holes. Interestingly his interviews gave away that he is finally playing pain free and excited about his golf again. Missed his last two cuts at River Highlands, but in his 6 previous starts was inside the Top 40, including a 2nd place in 2013. He clearly has a liking for the course and played nicely last week. Snap up the 7/2 for a Top 40 at Betfair.
Peter is massive odds for a top 40 finish and we think he has been written off too readily. He has placed inside the top 30 for the last two years here at TPC River Highlands, including opening rounds of 66 and 64. Malnati was quoted in 2018 saying this tournament is one of his "favourite courses on tour" and he calls it "his major" as he doesn't get to play the actual majors! He made the cut last week but a poor final round let him down. Eleventh at Pebble Beach earlier in the year which has a correlation to River Highlands. Worth a small play.
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