Xander Schauffele Prepares for Fun Weekend at Travelers Championship

Xander Schauffele, along with many others, looks forward to a more enjoyable weekend in New England compared to his recent experience in the Hamptons. After enduring the demanding Shinnecock Hills at the U.S. Open, the PGA Tour visits TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, for the popular Travelers Championship.

In the third major of the golf season, only three players managed to finish under par. In contrast, the Travelers is known for yielding low scores. Two years ago, Scottie Scheffler won here with a 22-under score after a playoff. Jim Furyk also famously shot a 58 at this course.

“I didn’t even mind the rain today, to be honest,” Schauffele, winner of the 2022 Travelers, shared after his Tuesday practice session. Perhaps part of this enjoyment is a change of scenery from Shinnecock, where his +2 finish earned him T11. The event following the U.S. Open has features favored by the two-time major champion.

While Keegan Bradley won last year with a score of -15, expect tougher conditions this weekend. Achieving a 58 might be unlikely, but Schauffele appreciates the challenge.

“There are many tricky spots where you expect to gain shots, but sometimes you don’t,” Schauffele noted, reflecting on the course dynamics. “It’s a fun course. If you can focus, you might shoot seven or eight under, but there are days you’ll feel like losing ground even at one over.” He praised the course changes that add difficulty by narrowing some areas and increasing the rough, believing a mid-teens winning score is more likely.

It’s not just the course layout but the event’s hospitality that draws top players. “From the food, coffee, and dining to gifts upon registration, they make you feel welcome, almost like family,” Schauffele remarked.

The Travelers Championship kicks off Thursday morning. Schauffele is paired with three-time Ryder Cup teammate Collin Morikawa at 10:55 a.m. ET.