The 2025 Travelers Championship launched with high drama and elite-level play on June 19 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, as the PGA Tour’s final Signature Event before its summer break delivered a competitive and talent-heavy opening round. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, defending his title from 2024, and rising star Austin Eckroat both surged to the top of the leaderboard with opening rounds of 8-under 62, setting a formidable tone early in the tournament.
Scheffler, continuing a dominant 2025 season that already includes a PGA Championship title, delivered a characteristically clinical performance. The Texan recorded four birdies in his first six holes and an eagle on the par-5 13th, bouncing back from a single bogey on the 17th to finish with a share of the lead. His consistency and course management once again underscored why he remains the most consistent force on the PGA Tour.
Eckroat, meanwhile, showcased his growing prowess with a matching 62, capitalizing on scoring opportunities throughout his round. The 25-year-old Oklahoma State alum has emerged as a strong contender this season, and his first-round showing at River Highlands solidified his growing reputation on the circuit.
Rory McIlroy, fresh off a tough outing at the U.S. Open where he narrowly missed victory, rebounded in style with a bogey-free 64. The four-time major champion looked composed and confident, showing no lingering signs from his recent disappointment. McIlroy’s round included six birdies and kept him within striking distance of the leaders, tied for third alongside Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley.
Also in the mix was Cameron Young, who carded a 65 to sit just three shots back. The field, while small due to the event’s Signature Event status with no cut and a limited 72-player draw, remains elite. The no-cut format ensures all players compete across all four rounds, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere.
However, the day wasn’t without its setbacks. Jordan Spieth, a 16-time PGA Tour winner and fan favorite, was forced to withdraw midway through his round due to a neck and upper back injury. The withdrawal marked the first in Spieth’s 297-start career on the PGA Tour, an unfortunate milestone for the 30-year-old as he continues to battle physical setbacks.
The 2025 Travelers Championship carries a massive $20 million purse, with the winner set to take home $4 million. This elevates the tournament’s profile among players and fans alike, especially as it serves as the final major tune-up before The Open Championship next month.
TPC River Highlands, known for its fan-friendly layout and dramatic closing stretch, has again proven a worthy stage for the PGA Tour’s best. The par-70 course has yielded low scores in recent years, and with benign weather expected, fans can anticipate aggressive play throughout the weekend.
Broadcast coverage spans multiple platforms, with Golf Channel and CBS handling U.S. television coverage, while ESPN+ offers streaming options. International audiences can follow the action via talkSPORT and Sky Sports Golf.
Heading into the second round, all eyes remain on Scheffler and McIlroy—two of the game’s brightest stars—while Eckroat and Clark will look to disrupt the established hierarchy. With three rounds to play and the leaderboard tightly packed, the 2025 Travelers Championship is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched events of the season.