Norway’s Viktor Hovland will battle Scottie Scheffler in a sudden-death playoff for the Travelers Championship title after the pair finished tied at 21-under following a dramatic final round at TPC River Highlands.
The playoff was postponed until Monday morning after a lengthy weather delay left organisers without enough daylight to complete the tournament on Sunday.
Hovland misses winning chance
Hovland entered the final round with a one-shot lead and looked set to lift the trophy after playing consistent golf throughout the day.
The Norwegian narrowly missed a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have sealed victory, signing for a one-under-par 69 to post 21-under.
“So close to getting it done on 18, but I’ll take the playoff,” Hovland said.
“I played a lot of great golf this week, so I’m feeling pretty good. Obviously, I would have liked to have got it done in regulation, but I have a chance again to win.”
Scheffler keeps title hopes alive
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler produced a composed finish to remain level with Hovland.
Needing par on the final hole, the American calmly holed an eight-foot putt to card a 68 before celebrating with a fist pump as he secured a place in Monday’s playoff.
The decisive showdown will begin at 9:00 a.m. local time (14:00 BST).
Norwegian fans create special atmosphere
Hovland enjoyed vocal support throughout the week from Norwegian football fans attending the FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Many supporters travelled from Boston, where Norway had recently played France, bringing the now-famous “Viking Row” celebration to the golf course and creating a memorable atmosphere for their countryman.
Morikawa’s stunning charge falls short
Collin Morikawa produced the round of the day, firing a spectacular nine-under 61 to climb into the clubhouse lead at 20-under after starting the day nine shots behind.
However, both Hovland and Scheffler edged past him over the closing holes, leaving the American to finish alone in third.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick finished fourth at 19-under after a superb final-round 64, while his brother Alex also shot 64 to claim a share of seventh on 17-under.
US Open champion Wyndham Clark finished tied fifth at 18-under, with Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre sharing 10th place on 16-under.
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