PREVIEW THE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

PREVIEW  

THE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS 

June 22 to 25, 2023 Par 70

PURSE $20M+$11.7M=59%

This years field will be much stronger since it’s a designated event.  Billy Casper the 4th player in “The Big Three” during the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s has the most wins at 4.  In 1973 it was called “The Greater Hartford Open” with an affiliation with Sammy Davis Jr until 1988.  During that period the purse rose from $200,000 to $700,000.  He attracted celebrities including Gerald Ford, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Liza Minnelli and many others.

His name along with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Danny Thomas, Andy Williams, Dina Shore created celebrity involvement which improved TV ratings and interest in professional golf. “ogolfit.com” is working on a project “The history of professional golf” which should be complete by the end of Summer. 

We will examine:

1. The start of Professional and key players from 1843 to the start of LiV in 2022 and concluding with the “Merger of PIV and the PGA which is ongoing.
2. The growth of Purses from 1843 to 2023.
3. The events and players who instigated this growth.

OPENING ODDS

Scottie Scheffler 6/1 He is going to win soon but not until he puts 4 good RDs together.

Patrick Cantlay 9/1 Usually picked in the top 5 but has not produced this year.

Rory McIlroy 10/1 Love the guy but he has to prove that he can win again.

Jon Rahm 10/1 Rumored to be going to LIV.  May be a distraction.

Xander Schauffele 12/1 Winner last year in a weaker field but it’s tough to repeat.

Viktor Hovland 20/1 He had a good US Open and may be ready to win again.

Tommy Fleetwood 22/1 He finished strong at the US Open, maybe he gets his first PGA win. 

Tony Finau 25/1 A real sleeper but has not been on his game lately.

Collin Morikawa 28/1 The way he has been playing I don’t understand him being in the top 10.

Tom Kim 33/1 He was on his way to a 63 or better in RD3 last week and was 3 better than Clark in the last 3 RDs.  It may be his time.

LONGSHOTS

Rickie Fowler 40/1 Played well in first 3 RDs last week.  Not being a major, maybe he wins.

Matt Fitzpatrick 40/1 He won the Heritage, a designated event in April and could win here.

Harris English 50/1 He has been in the top 10 in so many tournaments.  He won in 2021, winning $1.3M.   The winners share this year will be $3.6M, thanks LIV!!!  

I think one of these three can win.