Event: Travelers Championship
Dates: Today-Sunday
Course: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut
Distance, Par: 6,844 yards, Par 70
Purse: $6,100,000; Winners share: $1,800,000
Defending champion: Marc Leishman (Australia)
TV: Today: Golf Channel: 3-6 PM ET; 2-5 CT; tonight: Golf: 8:30-11:30 PM ET; 7:30-10:30 CT; Friday: Golf: 3-6 PM ET; 2-5 CT; Friday Night: Golf: 8:30-11:30 ET; 7:30-10:30 CT; Saturday: Golf: 1-2:30 PM ET; 12-1::30 CY: CBS: 3-6 PM ET; 2-5 CT; Sunday: Golf: 1-2:30 PM ET; 12-1:30 CT; CBS: 3-6 PM ET; 2-5 CT.
Weather: Mid 80’s today and all weekend with a slight chance of a t-storm on Sunday. Wind 7-10 MPH all weekend, except Sunday might get to 10-15 MPH
Key Holes:
No.15: 296 yards, Par- 4: Classic risk-reward hole. Could go for it off the tee, but there is water hugging the left side and bunkers on the right. The green is elevated and a ridge runs through the middle of the fairway, so even reaching the green off the tee is challenging.The pros may take an iron off the tee in windy conditions and have a full wedge to the green, but many will go for it.
No.16:171 yards, Par-3: The tee shot is all carry over water, and missing the green anywhere can be a major problem. The tee shot must not only clear the lake, but also the false front of the green. A wayward approach left, right or long will likely put a player in the bunker.
No.17: 414 yards, Par -4: This is a sharp dogleg right which plays at almost a 90 degree angle. Water comes into play on the tee shot and front and right for the approach. Bunkers and mounds on the left make the tee shot more intimidating. This is a pretty treacherous hole and the crowd cheers when the balls go in the water. Par here sounds pretty good.
No. 18: 444 yards, Par-4: An accurate tee shot it critical on this mid-length par 4. Sand is the primary defense off the tee, while the undulating green is guarded by bunkers on the right and a swale on the left that will punish a wayward approach. The approach shot on your second from 170 with tens of thousands of people watching on Sunday can be intimidating and will lead to some great theater in the final round with clutch shot making at a premium.
Contenders:
Derek Ernst:
Playing well this year with a top 10 or two. Like his chances to do well this week.
Hunter Mahan:
Won here in 2007 and tied fourth at U.S, Open last week, and had a shot to win it only to shoot a 75 in the final round. Finished tied 11th here last year.
Graham DeLaet:
Long off the tee. Had some good finishes this year. If he can putt well, he’s got a shot.
Winner:
Jason Dufner:
Like where Duf’s game is right now. Shot a final round 67 at Open last week and heck of a ball striker. He’s ready to get back in the winner’s circle this week. Just needs to make some putts and he’ll get it done.
