After a U.S. Open that absolutely delivered on the tension, excitement, and entertainment, the PGA Tour heads to… Connecticut? We’re closing out the Signature Event schedule this week at the Travelers Championship, so despite the mundane location, we should be in for some fun here. Let’s get to it.
TPC River Highlands is a departure from what we’ve seen the last few weeks, at less than 7000 yards in its tournament setup. It’s got Pete Dye bones, but has undergone several renovations in the last 40 years since it joined the TPC network. Accuracy is the focus here, but with winning scores usually in the -20 neighborhood, expect a shootout in Hartford. Jim Furyk even shot a 58 here in 2016, and last year’s winning score (of course it was Scottie, though he did need a playoff) was -22.
We’ll be taking a look at a stretch known as the Golden Triangle this week, and it’s a fun one.
15 starts us off in style. Everyone loves a drivable par 4, and at just 296 yards, this one is basically holding up a College Gameday sign saying GO FOR IT. The only problem is that if you miss, you’re either in a pond or in a bunker staring down the pond across the green.
16 doesn’t let you breathe either, sitting at 181 yards for the par 3, but all over water to a green that’s not easy to hold and isn’t easy to make putts on either.
Finally, 17 just amps up the difficulty, forcing you to keep your drive between fairway bunkers and more water (the same pond comes into play on all three of these holes), before your approach has to clear the pond to the green. It’s a stretch that could easily crush dreams and decide who wins it on Sunday evening.
In the spirit of Connecticut, every player’s vibes rating this week will be an MGMT song. It is up to you to interpret each one (If you don’t know a song, listen to it. They all bang).
Even with a relatively off week by his standards, he still finished top 10 in a major. He is a freaking machine, man. If he’s not on the front page of the leaderboard here, I’ll be very surprised.
Vibes: Nothing to Declare
I don’t need to say anything here. What a U.S. Open and what a moment for the 34-year-old journeyman who’s been through hell, including a battle with misdiagnosed Type I diabetes, to get here. Everything after this is just a cherry on top of what’s been a special year for Spaun.
Vibes: Congratulations
When is this man going to win a golf tournament? Oakmont set up well for him, and he proceeded to miss the cut. Granted, it was a major at one of the toughest courses on the planet, but the Englishman is too talented not to win on the PGA Tour. This week gives him another shot at a course that certainly seems to suit his game.
Vibes: Nothing Changes
I love me some Spieth, just like I love this song. Watching him play reminds me of good times and summers in high school, but he hasn’t been the same force lately, and his lack of accuracy threatens his chances this week.
Vibes: Kids
This should be pretty easy. Griffin’s been having a great time on the course lately, and the vibes have never been higher. He’s a ton of fun to watch, too.
Vibes: Electric Feel
The Scot has been playing high-quality golf lately, with a solo 2nd at the U.S. Open the latest in a string of solid results for the lefty. He’s been excellent off the tee this year. Specifically, he’s been very accurate with the driver, a great match for TPC River Highlands. I would not be surprised whatsoever if he makes a run this week.
The last Signature Event of the year means it's likely the last time we see a field this stacked until the Open at Royal Portrush next month and the FedEx Cup Playoffs in late August, so enjoy it. Birdiefests can always be entertaining, and I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Enjoy the week, and I’ll see you next week for the Rocket Classic.
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