Professional golfers often encounter victory gaps, but for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, a five-month interval sparked curiosity. The Travelers Championship dispelled doubts about his performance, though the tournament winner will be determined Monday morning.
Scheffler and Viktor Hovland tied at 21-under on Sunday at TPC River Highlands, leading to a rare Monday playoff. Weather and darkness hindered resolution before day’s end. The playoff starts at 9 a.m. ET on the par-4 18th hole, following a sudden death format. A player wins by scoring lower on a playoff hole. If tied, play continues until a winner emerges. For Scheffler, the winless streak is still ongoing.
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER ON HIS STATUS: “NOT A FULFILLING LIFE”
Hovland gets another chance to challenge Scheffler after a rain-delayed final round. Scheffler entered the Travelers with one victory in 2026, back in January at The American Express. Despite this, Scheffler showcased excellent form. He had eight top-five finishes in 13 starts, including a win at The American Express and runner-up spots at the Masters, RBC Heritage, and Cadillac Championship. He was third at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and fourth at the U.S. Open.
Scheffler started the final round behind Hovland after three unpredictable days in Connecticut. He opened with a 64, nearly scored a historic 59 on Friday but ended with 60, followed by a 67 on Saturday, placing him second to Hovland. The final day aimed for a pursuit of victory, yet Hovland ensured extra holes were needed.
Initially, Scheffler received minimal aid from Hovland, who bogeyed his first hole Sunday, sharing the lead with Scheffler. Scheffler’s steady front nine, featuring one birdie and one bogey, tallied 35. Hovland’s 36 allowed more players into contention. Collin Morikawa shot a 61, setting a 20-under mark hours before Scheffler and Hovland finished. For a time, Morikawa seemed like Scheffler’s main competitor. Then, Hovland regained his momentum.
Scheffler made birdies on Nos. 10 and 13, achieving 21-under, surpassing Morikawa’s score. Hovland and U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark remained two strokes behind, but rain interrupted play when Scheffler appeared in control. Following the delay, Hovland’s momentum shifted. He birdied No. 14, closing the gap, and birdied No. 15 to tie Scheffler.
Scheffler had a chance to regain the lead, but his birdie putt on No. 17 narrowly missed, the players remained tied going into the 72nd hole. Solid approach shots on No. 18 found both players, but Scheffler ended up slightly farther from the hole than Hovland.
Scheffler’s putt exceeded expectations, resulting in an overhit, leaving 8 1/2 feet for par. Hovland’s 25-foot birdie attempt missed slightly, pending Scheffler’s par putt for a playoff. Scheffler succeeded, signaling perseverance with a fist pump and shaking Hovland’s hand.
This marks the PGA Tour’s first Monday playoff since Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun’s 2025 Players Championship. Scheffler and Hovland revisit the 18th hole, with the first playoff hole winner taking the tournament.
Scheffler’s presence at Travelers is familiar yet unique. In 2024, Scheffler defeated Tom Kim in one playoff hole for his first TPC River Highlands win. Despite initial challenges at the course, Scheffler transformed the event into a strong Tour stop, ranking high in subsequent years and now seeking another win.
As golf’s finest, Scheffler’s standards remain lofty. Close doesn’t suffice. Scheffler approached TPC River Highlands ready to conclude dry spell chatter. Hovland prolonged his pursuit into Monday. A single hole more could end Scheffler’s drought.