HARTFORD, Conn. – Like every PGA Tour event since play resumed in June after a three-month sabbatical due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Travelers Championship had to operate this year without fans, concessions, parking and other amenities.
But in spite of those limitations, the biggest sporting event in Connecticut at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell still generated more than $1.6 million for 115 local charities through the generosity of corporate sponsors, including Travelers, the title sponsor since 2007.
“Despite being held as a TV-only event due to the pandemic, we’re grateful that we were able to generate a significant amount of money for local charities while keeping the players and our greater community safe,” tournament director Nathan Grube said. “We’re fortunate to have so many wonderful sponsors and corporate partners who value the importance of doing what we can to support those in need. Without their help, not only this year but every year, we wouldn’t be able to make this kind of charitable impact.”
One of the charitable recipients this year was 4-CT, an independent nonprofit that has funded statewide COVID-19 relief efforts. The tournament is also providing a grant to the University of New Haven’s Center for Advanced Policing and Tow Youth Justice Institute, whose Connecticut Institute for Youth and Police Relations program will help educate and train police officers so they can improve relationships with the communities they serve.
Since Travelers became title sponsor, more than $20 million has been generated for at least 750 organizations that have benefited in the past 13 years, including a record $2.1 million in 2019.
“Being there for our communities is the essence of who we are at Travelers, and our sponsorship of the Travelers Championship provides us with an opportunity to really make a difference at a time when many nonprofits need it most,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Travelers. “This year it was important to show appreciation for the healthcare efforts in the fight against COVID-19, as well as address racial equality. This financial support will help these important organizations continue in their missions to keep workers safe and foster positive relationships.”
Dustin Johnson, No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings, extended the longest current streak on the PGA Tour for consecutive seasons with a victory to 13 when he notched a one-stroke win over 2014 champion Kevin Streelman on June 28. It was Johnson’s 21st PGA Tour title, and he has since added the first and third FedExCup playoff events, The Northern Trust at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass., to complete the first “New England double” in history, and the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. The latter netted him the FedExCup and $15 million and led to him being voted PGA Tour Player of the Year by his peers for the second time (2016).
Johnson had to withdraw from the CJ CUP @ SHADOW CREEK in Las Vegas two weeks ago because he tested positive for COVID-19 and also missed the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP @ SHERWOOD.
Preparations have already begun for the 2021 Travelers Championship, which will be played June 24-27.
www.TravelersChampionship.com.
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