Travelers Championship Preview
June 18, 2008With all the emotion of the U.S. Open behind us, Let’s take a look at this week’s Travelers Championship.
The Venue: TPC River Highlands
Location: Cromwell, CT
Purse: 6 Million
Winning Share: 1.08 Million
TV Coverage:
| Thursday 6/19 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET | GOLF | |
| Thursday 6/19 | 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM ET | GOLF | |
| Friday 6/20 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET | GOLF | |
| Friday 6/20 | 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM ET | GOLF | |
| Saturday 6/21 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET | CBS | |
| Sunday 6/22 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET | CBS |
Course Description: Holes 4 and 10 can create huge problems for most golfers. Four does not have much forgiveness on each side of the fairway, with two bunkers on each side. The Green is also slopes from back to front. Hole number ten presents a tough approach to the green. If lucky, golfers will also par this hole. Here is a more in depth look of the course.
The Defending Champion: Hunter Mahan
Mahan got his first career victory last year on the same course. Known more for his driving ability than his putting game, Mahan has worked hard at evening out his game. After an 18th place finish at the U.S. Open that saw a final round 69, Mahan has to be a favorite to take it home yet again in 2008. For a youngster, Mahan is pretty poised on the links. His highest finish this year was tied for fifth at the Mercedes-Benz Championship Check out some of his footage from the 2007 championship here.
The Favorites:
Vijay Singh – The Fiji native struggled last weekend, but with 8 top ten finishes this season, he is already an instant favorite with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Adam Scott out of this weekend’s play. Tack on a fourth place finish last season and his hard work preparing this week.
Stewart Cink – Cink has played well in small tournaments this season, and finished with a 67 in the final round on Sunday. What gives Stewart an advantage is his veteran choices on a tough course. Cink will not be afraid to lay off for par instead of trying to kill the ball at times.
Kenny Perry – After a Memorial Tournament win, Perry fell off the map last weekend. After a slight break from action, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Perry come up big this weekend. His driving ability will also help him out on this course.
Hunter Mahan – Mahan’s game has turned around in the last few weeks. After a solid Sunday, Mahan is my favorite to win this weekend. He knows this course really well and he is fourth in getting to greens in regulation. That will come to play at River Highlands and help his somewhat struggling short game.
