EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
With the Travelers Championship just around the corner, here’s a handy guide of everything you need to know while at TPC River Highlands, from tickets and parking, to food and autographs.
Who’s playing?
Much like last year, this year’s 156-player field boasts some of the top names in golf, including reigning PGA Championship and 2018 U.S. Open winner Brooks Koepka (ranked No. 1 in the world), defending champion Bubba Watson (19th), Justin Thomas (sixth), Francesco Molinari (seventh), Patrick Cantlay — winner of the Memorial Tournament just weeks before the Travelers, and a top ten player in the world — and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who has won at TPC River Highlands twice in the past.
Where are they playing?
TPC River Highlands, a par-70, 6,481-yard course in Cromwell.
What’s at stake?
500 FedEx Cup points, and a $1.296 million share of the $7 million purse.
Where can I get tickets?
Daily and weekly passes offering varying degrees of access are available at travelerschampionship.com/tickets.
Where should I watch?
There’s plenty of on-course standing room by each hole and along the fairways, with amphitheater-style seating surrounding the 18th hole, which has set up well for plenty of dramatic Sunday runs. Additionally, sponsor tents line much of the course, as well as clubs with daily and weekly passes available. The Champions Club, overlooking the 18th green, and The Mohegan Sun Club, overlooking holes 16 and 17, are just a couple of the premium options available.
Where and when can I watch on TV?
The Golf Channel will broadcast each day, from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 1-2:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. CBS will handle the broadcast duty from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Where can I park?
Daily on-site parking is available in Lot B on a first come, first serve basis. The lot opens at 6 a.m, and shuttles begin at 7 a.m. There are also several businesses and residences on the roads leading into the venue that offer paid parking.
Is it fun for kids?
Travelers has gone to leaps and bounds to ensure that the tournament is an enjoyable experience for all members of the family. The Stanley Black and Decker Fan Zone features lawn games, entertainment, a rock wall and a mini golf course, as well as a family care zone, with access to WiFi and a charging station. “We kind of look at ourselves as the kickoff to summer,” said tournament director Nathan Grube. “Connecticut is such an amazing place in the summer. We are in that zone where kids are just out of school. Everything else that came out of it in the last decade of Travelers, we want it to be something that anybody can come out and enjoy.”
When and where can I get autographs?
The practice round on Tuesday is open to the public, and features a designated area by the putting and chipping green next to the practice range where fans can ask for autographs. The celebrity pro-am on Wednesday offers an opportunity for autographs, as golfers are generally more relaxed, though once the tournament kicks off on Thursday, security tightens a bit as the stakes are raised. The best opportunity for autograph seekers is to flag players down as they finish their round, and are coming off the 18th green and walking towards the clubhouse.
Can I use my smartphone while on the course?
You aren’t allowed to take or send phone calls while on the course, though you are allowed to shoot photos and videos — as long as the phone is on silent. Cameras can be used during the practice round and celebrity pro-am, but are prohibited during the actual tournament.
Where can I buy merchandise?
The tournament will debut a new merchandise tent over by the practice facility — by where the ninth and 10th holes cross over — which is 50 percent larger this year, according to Grube. Additionally, the pro shop in the brand new clubhouse will be open to the public. “That’s critical. The public never gets to go into the clubhouse,” Travelers chief administrative officer and executive vice president Andy Bessette said. “Now they have a really nice way to come in.”
How about food and drink?
Outside food and drink isn’t allowed in, though there is an abundance of food stands scattered around the course, along with beverage stands. Food and drinks are served in the Fan Zone, too. Grube confirmed that the menu is tweaked each year, based upon feedback and hot sellers from past years.