The 2025 Travelers Championship kicked off on Thursday, June 19, at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, drawing one of the most competitive men’s fields of the PGA Tour season. Headlined by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Rory McIlroy, the event marks the final signature tournament before The Open Championship and offers a crucial test for players fine-tuning their form.
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning champion, delivered a commanding opening round with an 8-under-par 62. The round featured an eagle on the par-5 13th hole, complemented by seven birdies and only one bogey. Tied with Scheffler atop the leaderboard is Austin Eckroat, who also carded a 62 to continue a stretch of strong performances following his first two PGA Tour wins earlier in the season. Eckroat credited his preparation and mindset for the strong start, noting he was able to carry his confidence from practice rounds into Thursday’s play.
Trailing by two shots are Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Wyndham Clark, all of whom posted impressive 6-under 64s. McIlroy, who had a disappointing finish at the U.S. Open just days earlier, bounced back with a bogey-free round that included eight birdies. Playing alongside Bradley, the pair created a competitive yet relaxed environment that McIlroy described as “fun and productive.”
Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, also made headlines with his performance and for addressing off-course behavior. Following reports of locker room damage at the U.S. Open, Clark issued an apology and committed to keeping his focus on the course. His round at TPC River Highlands demonstrated renewed composure, putting him in strong early contention.
Keegan Bradley, last year’s Travelers champion and current U.S. Ryder Cup captain, showed no signs of pressure with a clean round that kept him in the mix. His familiarity with the course and strong local support are expected to be assets as the tournament progresses.
Cameron Young followed close behind with a 5-under 65, a performance made more notable by the presence of his father on the bag, stepping in due to his regular caddie’s illness. Young managed the shift well, keeping himself in early contention.
Jordan Spieth, however, was forced to withdraw on the back nine due to a neck and upper-back injury. Spieth, who won the Travelers in 2017, cited discomfort that made it impossible to continue—his first-ever withdrawal from a PGA Tour event. The withdrawal is especially unfortunate given the strength of the field and the stature of the event.
The tournament’s significance lies not only in its $20 million purse and elevated FedExCup points but also in its timing. As the last signature event before The Open Championship, it serves as a major momentum builder for top-ranked players. With 72 players competing in a no-cut format, every round holds weight, and the competition is expected to remain fierce through Sunday’s final round.
TPC River Highlands, a par-70 layout measuring just under 6,850 yards, is known for its risk-reward opportunities and fan-friendly design. Its closing stretch, especially holes 15 through 18, often delivers dramatic swings and remains a favorite among players and spectators alike.
Television coverage is being broadcast across USA Network, Golf Channel, and CBS, with streaming options available through Paramount+ and ESPN platforms. The tournament has also garnered international attention, with Sky Sports Golf carrying coverage for UK and Irish audiences.
With Scheffler eyeing a successful title defense and McIlroy eager to bounce back after his U.S. Open disappointment, all eyes remain on TPC River Highlands for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of golf. As Sunday approaches, golf fans will be watching closely to see whether Scheffler can maintain his dominant form or if a challenger will emerge to claim one of the tour’s most coveted summer titles.