Travelers Championship
The Travelers Championship is one of the PGA Tour's most anticipated summer events, held annually at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Known for its electric atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds, and a history of dramatic finishes, the tournament has become a staple on the Tour calendar since its inception in 1952. As the state's premier professional sporting event, it draws the world's best golfers and raises millions for local charities.
The 2026 edition will be contested at the iconic TPC River Highlands, a Pete Dye-designed course that perfectly balances risk and reward. The venue is famous for its drivable par-4 15th hole, the daunting island-green 16th, and the thrilling finishing stretch that has produced some of golf's most memorable moments, including Jim Furyk's historic 58 in 2016 — the lowest round in PGA Tour history.
With a reputation for accessibility, community engagement, and world-class competition, the Travelers Championship continues to grow as a premier destination for players and fans alike, offering a $20 million purse and 500 FedExCup points to the champion.
⛳ TPC River Highlands Course Overview
TPC River Highlands is a Pete Dye-designed masterpiece that underwent significant renovations in 2016 to enhance spectator viewing and strategic options. The course is renowned for its risk-reward layout, with water coming into play on several holes and a finishing stretch that ranks among the most exciting in golf.
Quick Course Overview
The course winds through rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and water hazards that demand precise shot-making. The final three holes (15-17) create a thrilling amphitheater atmosphere known as the "Golden Triangle."
Yardage / Par
- Par: 70
- Yardage: ~6,850 yards
Course Type / Conditions
- Traditional parkland layout with bentgrass fairways and greens
- Water hazards on 11 holes, demanding strategic risk management
- Small, undulating greens that reward precise approach shots
- Bermuda rough that can be penalizing if wayward off the tee
What Matters Most
- Short-game precision around small, tricky greens
- Aggressive play on the par-5s (6th and 13th) for scoring opportunities
- Managing the 15th hole — a drivable par-4 that tempts big hitters
- Finishing stretch composure on 15-17 where tournaments are won and lost
Key Holes / Momentum Stretch
- Par-4 15th (296 yards) — A drivable risk-reward gem that creates massive momentum swings
- Par-3 16th (171 yards) — Island green surrounded by water, the signature hole of the course
- Par-4 17th (420 yards) — Dogleg left with water down the entire left side, demanding accuracy
- Par-4 18th (444 yards) — A challenging uphill finisher that often decides the champion
Winning Formula
- Capitalize on the par-5s and the drivable 15th hole
- Maintain bogey-free rounds by avoiding the water hazards
- Strong iron play to navigate the small, sloped greens
- Clutch putting under pressure on the closing stretch
Travelers Championship
2026 Travelers Championship
Tournament Details
Date: June 22-28, 2026
Location: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT
Field: 156 PGA Tour professionals
Signature event on PGA Tour schedule with elevated status.
Tournament HighlightsTravelers Championship History (1952 - Present)
2026 Travelers Championship
Upcoming Event
TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT
Full field of 156 PGA Tour players
$20 million purse
500 FedExCup points to winner
2025 Travelers Championship
Recent Champion
TPC River Highlands
Dramatic final-round charge to claim signature win
World No. 1 captures fifth title of the season
700 FedExCup points to winner
2020s Travelers Championship
Modern Champions
Signature Event Era
Xander Schauffele wins in 2022 with record-tying 62
Harris English defeats Kramer Hickok in 8-hole playoff (2021)
Dustin Johnson claims 2020 title in fan-less atmosphere
2010s Travelers Championship
Historic Era
TPC River Highlands
Jim Furyk shoots 58 in 2016 — lowest round in PGA Tour history
Bubba Watson wins three times (2010, 2015, 2018)
Jordan Spieth wins in 2017 with dramatic finish
2000s Travelers Championship
Champions Era
Multiple Champions
Stewart Cink wins in 2008 en route to Open Championship success
J.J. Henry claims hometown victory in 2006
Notah Begay III wins inaugural Travelers-sponsored event in 2004
Tournament Format
Signature Event
156 Players Compete
72-hole stroke play format
Top 65 and ties make the cut
Winner receives exemption into The Players Championship
Historic Venue
TPC River Highlands
Pete Dye Design
Host venue since 1984
Course Details:
Par 70, ~6,850 yards
Charitable Impact
Community Support
New England Charities
Over $70 million donated to local charities since inception
Supports over 200+ organizations annually
Tournament recognized for community leadership
Historic Champions
Legendary Winners
Golf Greats
Billy Casper won four times (1963, 1965, 1968, 1973)
Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman champions
Bubba Watson, Stewart Cink, and J.J. Henry among modern greats
The Travelers Championship Legacy
The Travelers Championship stands as one of golf's most beloved and fan-friendly events, with roots dating back to 1952 when it was known as the Insurance City Open. As the longest-running PGA Tour event in New England, it holds a special place in the hearts of Connecticut golf fans and has become a model for community engagement and charitable giving on the Tour.
The championship's unique place on the PGA Tour schedule as a signature event provides a crucial summer test for players preparing for major championships and the FedExCup Playoffs. With a $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points awarded to the champion, the Travelers Championship attracts the world's best while maintaining its identity as a community-focused tournament that welcomes all.
Beyond the competition, the Travelers Championship has become a powerful engine for philanthropy in Connecticut and surrounding states. Through its charitable partnerships and community initiatives, the tournament has raised over $70 million for more than 200 local organizations, including the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and countless other vital causes. This commitment to giving back ensures that the tournament's impact extends far beyond the fairways and greens of TPC River Highlands.
As the tournament continues to thrive in the signature event era, it builds on a rich heritage that includes iconic moments like Jim Furyk's historic 58 in 2016 — the lowest round in PGA Tour history. The Travelers Championship remains a cherished tradition that celebrates golf's past, present, and future while embodying the spirit of community and competition.