Field features its own ‘Big 3’

McIlroy, Day and Spieth slated to tee off in Cromwell

The Travelers Championship version of the “Big Three” tees it up on Thursday, headlining a field that became official late Friday night.

In year No. 11 under the current title sponsorship, the trio of Rory McIlroy, the second-ranked player in the world, Jason Day (No. 4) and Jordan Spieth (No. 5) have made this arguably the best field Travelers has had considering players with appeal. Add in former two-time champion Bubba Watson, Justin Thomas and Jim Furyk, along with defending champion Russell Knox and you have stellar field ready to tee it up beginning Thursday.

Travelers ended up getting five of the top 15 in the world rankings when you add in Thomas (No. 13) and Paul Casey (14), who is tied for the lead midway through the U.S. Open. Another member of the field, Brian Harman, also tied for the Open lead, is playing next week, too.

Travelers tournament director Nathan Grube said last week that ticket sales were up from last year. Much of that has to be contributed to McIlroy, who is playing the event for the first time, committing in late February, along with Day in early May. Day’s best finish in two previous appearances at TPC River Highlands is a tie for 18th place.

Spieth is also making his first appearance in Cromwell. He committed just last week.

Both McIlroy and Day will be coming off missed cuts at the U.S. Open. So is Watson, the 2010 and 2014 winner, now ranked 37th. Spieth did make the cut.

Former major champions Zach Johnson, Padraig Harrington, Re-

FROM PAGE 1 tief Goosen, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Vijay Singh will also compete next week.

Four of the sponsor’s exemptions have gone to young professionals — Brett Coletta (21), Beau Hossler (22), Ryan Ruffels (19) and Wyndham Clark, who led the University of Oregon to the Division I NCAA tournament final, was the Pac-12 Player of the Year and will turn pro at the Travelers.

Four golfers from Monday’s qualifier at Ellington Ridge Country Club will complete the field.

CHRIS CARLSON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Jason Day, right, and Rory McIlroy shake hands after the second round of the U.S. Open. Both are committed to play in next week’s Travelers Championship in Cromwell.