Watch: Protesters storm the 18th green at Travelers Championship

Scottie Scheffler Triumphs Over Tom Kim in Dramatic Travelers Championship Playoff

Scottie Scheffler secured a thrilling victory at the Travelers Championship, overcoming Tom Kim in a playoff to clinch his sixth PGA Tour win of the season. The event was marked by unexpected drama when protesters briefly disrupted play on the 72nd hole.

 

Entering the final round at TPC River Highlands just one shot behind the leader, Scheffler showcased remarkable consistency. He carded five birdies in a flawless round of 65, finishing at 22 under par alongside Kim. The playoff was necessitated after Kim sank a clutch 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole.

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The 18th green became the scene of an unusual interruption as multiple protesters ran onto the putting surface, scattering colored powder before being swiftly removed by police. Once the green was cleared, the playoff commenced. Scheffler made a steady par while Kim struggled from the bunker, failing to save par.

 

With this victory, Scheffler became the first player since Arnold Palmer in 1962 to win six times before July on the PGA Tour. This win adds to his impressive season, which includes victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players, The Masters, RBC Heritage, and the Memorial Tournament. Scheffler’s success has solidified his top spot in both the world rankings and the FedExCup standings.

 

Scheffler began his round with five straight pars before seizing opportunities on the par-five sixth and the subsequent hole. A birdie on the par-five 13th set the stage for a strong finish. He added another birdie at the 14th and drove the green on the par-four 15th, picking up yet another shot. Despite Kim’s resurgence on the back nine, Scheffler maintained his lead.

 

Heading into the final hole, Scheffler was one shot ahead. Kim’s approach left him a 10-foot birdie opportunity, which he successfully converted to force the playoff. Scheffler’s birdie attempt narrowly missed, but he remained composed for the playoff.

 

 

In the playoff, Kim’s approach landed in a bunker, and he was unable to save par. Scheffler, despite missing his birdie attempt, tapped in for par to secure the win, marking the 12th PGA Tour victory of his career and his fourth in a Signature Event this season.

 

Elsewhere, Tom Hoge’s final-round 62 propelled him into a tie for third with Sungjae Im. Patrick Cantlay, Tony Finau, Justin Thomas, and Akshay Bhatia shared fifth place. Cameron Young, who carded a rare sub-60 round during the third round, finished tied for ninth with Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark, and Brian Harman.

 

“It has been a great season,” Scheffler said. “I’ve been fortunate to come away with some wins, and it has been a lot of fun. Tom played his heart out today. He’s a great player, great champion, and it was fun battling with him.”

 

Scheffler’s victory at the Travelers Championship not only adds to his impressive resume but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the PGA Tour season.