Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland Set for Travelers Championship Playoff

Posted : 29 June 2026

Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland will return on Monday to decide the Travelers Championship after finishing tied at the top of the leaderboard following an eventful final round at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The world number one and the Norwegian star both ended regulation play at 21-under-par 259, setting up a sudden-death playoff after Scheffler calmly converted a pressure-filled par putt from just under nine feet on the 18th hole to keep his title hopes alive.

Hovland praised his rival's composure after the dramatic finish, saying Scheffler once again showed why he holds the world's top ranking. He added that he would need to raise his level in the playoff if he wanted to secure victory.

Scheffler carded a final-round two-under-par 68, while Hovland posted a 69 on a day disrupted by severe weather. Play was suspended for 83 minutes because of a late-afternoon storm before competitors returned to complete the closing holes in fading light.

Reflecting on his finish, Scheffler said making crucial putts was essential to extending his challenge, noting that although winning putts are the most satisfying, sinking those needed to stay in contention is equally important.

Collin Morikawa produced the round of the day, surging into third place with a remarkable nine-under-par 61. Starting the final round nine shots off the lead, the American birdied the final hole in heavy rain to finish just one stroke behind the leaders at 20-under.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick climbed into fourth place after an impressive closing 64, while reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark and fellow American Akshay Bhatia shared fifth on 19-under.

Before the weather interruption, Scheffler had edged ahead by sinking a four-foot birdie putt on the par-five 13th to reach 21-under. Tournament staff worked quickly during the delay to remove standing water and prepare the course for the resumption of play.

When action resumed, Hovland responded immediately by holing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 14th to reduce the deficit, while Scheffler saved par with a tricky seven-footer to preserve his narrow lead.

Scheffler admitted the conditions became increasingly difficult after the rain, explaining that the soaked rough made it hard to predict how the ball would react and that the fading daylight added another challenge.

The momentum continued to shift over the closing holes. Scheffler scrambled brilliantly to save par at the 15th after chipping beyond the green, but Hovland reeled off a third consecutive birdie moments later to draw level.

Scheffler had an opportunity to regain the outright lead on the 17th but watched his birdie attempt lip out. Hovland safely parred the final hole before Scheffler narrowly missed a lengthy birdie putt at the last, leaving himself with a tense par attempt that he successfully converted to force the playoff.

Hovland admitted he had been frustrated earlier in the day and felt he had not produced his best golf. However, after surviving the difficult conditions and earning another chance on Monday, he said he was delighted to still be in contention.

The Norwegian is chasing his eighth PGA Tour title and his first victory since winning the Valspar Championship last year.

Scheffler, meanwhile, is seeking the 21st PGA Tour title of his career. Although he opened the season with a victory in California, the four-time major champion is still searching for his second win of the year as he prepares for Monday's decisive playoff.

Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland Set for Travelers Championship Playoff

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