Scottie Scheffler claimed victory at the Travelers Championship in dramatic fashion, triumphing in a playoff on Sunday amidst disruptions from climate protesters on the 18th green and a tying birdie by Tom Kim on the final hole of regulation. This marked Scheffler’s sixth win of the year, the most on the PGA Tour in a season since Tiger Woods achieved six victories in 2009.
As the current world number one, Scheffler’s win at TPC River Highlands was his fourth in the tour’s prestigious $20 million, limited-field events, earning him a substantial $3.6 million payout. Notably, he also secured victories earlier in the year at the Masters and The Players Championship.
Following a brief delay caused by protesters, Scheffler calmly sank a 26-foot putt for par on the 18th to finish with a 5-under 65, totaling 22-under 258 over four days. Kim’s subsequent birdie forced a playoff, prompting officials to adjust the hole location to avoid the affected green areas.
In the playoff, Scheffler seized victory with a precise approach shot to 11 feet, while Kim struggled from a difficult lie in a greenside bunker. After Kim’s putt fell short, Scheffler secured an easy two-putt par to clinch the championship.
Despite trailing Kim through the tournament, Scheffler surged ahead with three consecutive birdies from the 13th to the 15th holes on Sunday, ultimately tying Kim with pars through the remaining holes to force the playoff.
Scheffler and Kim, who coincidentally share a June 21 birthday, had bonded over New Haven pizza before the event. Both Dallas-area residents played together in the final group, maintaining a friendly rapport throughout the round.
In the end, Scheffler’s resilience and skill prevailed, adding another accolade to his stellar season on the PGA Tour.
