HARTFORD, Conn. – The Travelers Championship got another early major boost Wednesday when Justin Thomas committed to play in the tournament June 25-28 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.
The addition of Thomas, the fourth-ranked player in the world who notched his 12th PGA Tour victory in a playoff in the Sentry Tournament of Champions two weeks ago, joins second-ranked Rory McIlroy as commitments to the $7.2 million event. McIlroy, the No. 2-ranked player who committed in October, was the PGA Tour Player of the Year in 2019, when he won the Tour Championship and FedExCup title worth $15 million.
Thomas was the 2017 FedExCup winner and currently leads the FedExCup points race thanks largely to two early victories. This will be Thomas’ seventh Travelers Championship appearance, starting as an amateur on a sponsors’ exemption in 2013. He competed in the tournament the past five years, with his best finish a tie for third in 2016.
“We’re thrilled that Justin has decided to play and support the tournament again this year,” tournament director Nathan Grube said. “He’s a great addition to the field and the caliber of player our fans can expect to see in 2020. With the commitments of Rory McIlroy and now Justin Thomas, that gives us a pair of players ranked among the world’s top five.”
With his victory at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and a win earlier this season at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES, Thomas has at least one PGA Tour title in five consecutive seasons. He won last season at the 2019 BMW Championship, helping him finish third in the FedExCup points race.
Thomas’ best year was 2017, when he won five PGA Tour tournaments, including the PGA Championship for his first major title. He had 12 top-10 finishes that season and was named PGA Tour Player of the Year. In the Presidents Cup last month, Thomas combined with U.S. captain Tiger Woods to win two team matches, and the Americans rallied for a 13-11 victory over the International side at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Victoria, Australia. Thomas made his Ryder Cup debut in 2018.
“We met Justin when he was still an amateur and have watched him become one of the most successful professional golfers in the world,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers. “We know that to have a successful tournament, we need the best players. Justin is off to a great start this season, and I’m sure he’ll be one to watch this year at TPC River Highlands.”
Chez Reavie will defend his title in June after ending an 11-year victory drought last year with a four-stroke victory. For tickets and more tournament information, visit
www.travelerschampionship.com.
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