Xander Schauffele Looks Forward to Travelers Championship

Xander Schauffele, along with many others, anticipates an enjoyable weekend at the Travelers Championship in New England, following a challenging US Open at Shinnecock Hills. The PGA Tour’s next stop is TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, a venue well-liked by players.

The contrast between the US Open and the Travelers Championship is significant. Only three players finished below par at the US Open, highlighting its difficulty. In contrast, the Travelers Championship is known for its lower scores. Two years ago, Scottie Scheffler won with a 22-under par after a playoff. It was also where Jim Furyk achieved his record-breaking score of 58.

I didn’t even mind the rain today, to be honest, said Schauffele, reflecting on his practice session as the 2022 Travelers champion. He finished +2 at Shinnecock, placing T11.

The Travelers Championship is appreciated not only for its course layout but also for its welcoming environment. Schauffele mentioned that the event organizers make players feel comfortable and valued, from the food and coffee offerings to the thoughtful gifts for players and their families.

This year, while scores in the minus-20s are not expected due to recent course changes, the event remains appealing. The layout has been made more challenging, and Schauffele enjoys the balance it provides.

There’s plenty of tricky spots where you feel like you’re supposed to pick shots up and sometimes you don’t. But it is a fun course, noted Schauffele. He appreciates how the course rewards strategic play, with narrow fairways and thicker rough in some areas.

Schauffele will be teeing off alongside Collin Morikawa at 10:55 a.m. ET on Thursday. The Travelers Championship continues to be a highlight for him and other top players due to its enjoyable atmosphere and competitive course.