June 21, 2017: A star-studded field, comes to TPC River Highlands for the 66th playing of the Travelers Championship, where last year, history was made when Jim Furyk shot a final round 58. Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut in Connecticut when he tees it up Thursday.
India’s Anirban Lahiri also returned from his Meditation and all set to tee off at TPC River Highlands after his spiritual break.
The FedExCup Playoffs are just nine weeks away. Some of the PGA TOUR’s most notable names need to step on the gas.
In the stellar field this week at the Travelers Championship are Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson and Jim Furyk. It’s doubtful any of those four are happy at where they currently stand in FedExCup points.
Day is ranked 45th. A year ago, he came out of the U.S. Open ranked first in points. This week, he’s hoping to bounce back from a missed cut at Erin Hills.
McIlroy, the defending FedExCup champ, is ranked 69th. A year ago, he ranked 31st. Like Day, he missed the cut at the U.S. Open, as he tries to shake off some rust due to a limited schedule caused by his rib injury.
Erin Hills was an opportunity lost for both players who aren’t accustomed to having to sweat over the coveted top-30 positions that make it to East Lake for the TOUR Championship. The U.S. Open offers increased FedExCup points for players who make the cut.
Watson, the two-time Travelers champ, is ranked 109th. A year ago, he was 19th.
And Furyk, the 2010 FedExCup winner, is ranked 137th. A year ago, he ranked 136th, so on the surface it’s not a huge difference. Actually, though, there is – Furyk had made just five starts a year ago at this time due to a wrist injury. This year, he’s made 14 starts.
Day is playing Travelers for the first time in his career. McIlroy is making his first start at TPC River Highlands since 2014. Watson and Furyk – perhaps you recall his 58 on the course last year – obviously like the vibe here.
All four could use a big week. The FedExCup Playoffs are rapidly approaching.
PGA Tour Release
