Mahan looks to extend Travelers record
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2009 Travelers Championship | Preview | 24 Jun 2009
The PGA Tour moves north from Long Island to Connecticut for this week’s Travelers Championship at the TPC River Highlands in the Hartford suburb of Cromwell.
Originally the Middletown Golf Club, when built in 1928, and later as Edgewood Country Club, the TPC River Highlands’ was completely redesigned by the Pete Dye in 1982 and again in 1989 by noted golf course architect Bobby Weed and PGA TOUR Design Services, Inc.
The event has undergone several name changes as sponsors came and went, and is has been known as the Travelers since 2007 when the insurance giant became involved.
Sergio Garcia and Hunter Mahan start as the favourites following good weeks at the US Open last week, Mahan in particular very impressive when finishing in a share of 6th, two late bogeys costing him something even better. Garcia finished 10th last week and served notice that he is close to his best.
Mahan has a stunning record at TPC River Highlands winning in 2007 and finishing runner up in 2008 and 2006 while Garcia has played the tournament on only once occasion that being when 20th in 2002.
Other players who have shown good form in recent weeks are David Toms, Kenny Perry and Zach Johnson, Perry in particular with a good record at this venue.
Vijay Singh appeared to be finding some form before missing the cut last week at the US Open and he does enjoy a good record at this venue having been 4th and 5th in each of his last two starts.
Recent winners on the 2009 schedule Lucas Glover and Brian Gay are in the field but both, Glover in particular after his huge win last week, may still be on highs from their recent success and another win might be hard to secure.
Ben Curtis plays this golf course well twelve of his last 16 rounds in the 60’s. He struggled at the US Open but was not alone there and prior had been playing well.
Woody Austin won this event in 2004 and has begun playing well again. At longer odds he offers some value.
Australasians in the field are Aaron Baddeley, Mathew Goggin, Greg Chalmers, Nick O’Hern, Nathan Green, Peter Lonard, Marc Leishman, Aron Price, Steve Allan, Steve Elkington, Jarrod Lyle, Stephen Leaney and New Zealander Danny Lee who is playing on invite.
