HARTFORD, Conn. – A third player in the Top 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings has added to a strong start for the Travelers Championship field.
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion ranked eighth, committed to play in Connecticut’s largest sporting event June 24-27 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. Reed joins defending champion Dustin Johnson, who is No. 1 in the rankings since winning the 2020 Masters in November, and No. 6 Bryson DeChambeau, who captured the U.S. Open in September and the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday March 7.
Reed, 30, has nine PGA Tour victories and will be making his 10th consecutive start in TPC River Highlands, with his best finish a tie for fifth at 9-under-par 271 in 2017. Last year, he tied for 24th.
“From winning the Masters to playing on Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, Patrick has amassed an impressive golf resume, and we’re pleased to see that he’s decided to be part of our field,” tournament director Nathan Grube said in a statement. “He has been loyal to our event for the last decade, and it will be great to see him once again in Cromwell.”
Reed captured the Farmers Insurance Open in January and is 14th in the FedExCup points standings. DeChambeau is No. 1, and Johnson is No. 5.
Reed turned professional in 2011 after leading Augusta State University to back-to-back NCAA team championships. In 2012, he earned his way into six PGA Tour events, including the Travelers Championship, by successfully qualifying through Monday tournaments. He joined the PGA Tour a year later, winning for the first time at the Wyndham Championship in 2013.
Starting with that victory, Reed has at least one PGA Tour win in eight of nine years, including his only major championship in the 2018 Masters. He has been a mainstay in team play, representing the United States at the past three Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups and winning 12 total matches.
“I’m excited because we’ve developed a really good relationship with Patrick over the years, and it’s tremendous to be adding another Top-10 player to the field,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers. “Patrick fits nicely into what the tournament strives for every year: bringing together the world’s best players to be successful and generate money for local charities.”
The tournament could be played in front of spectators after being a TV-event only in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the third event after the PGA Tour resumed play after a three-month suspension.
“We’re hoping to be able to welcome a limited number of spectators on-site at TPC River Highlands for this year’s event,” tournament officials said in a Feb. 8 statement. “The safety of the players, caddies, volunteers, sponsors, media and fans remains our top priority. We’re working closely with state and local officials, as well as the PGA Tour, to create the best environment for everyone.”
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