Time for tasty tips for the Travelers

After a thrilling finish to the U.S. Open that saw Wyndham Clark secure his first major championship, the PGA Tour heads to Connecticut this week for the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands. Although it may not have the same luster as a major, the Travelers is still an elevated event that will feature many of the biggest names in golf.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who hasn't finished worse than T5 in two months, tops the odds board as the +600 favorite to win. Patrick Cantlay is right behind him at +1000, while Jon Rahm (+1100), Rory McIlroy (+1200), and reigning champion Xander Schauffele (+1400) round out the top five.

TPC River Highlands is the second-shortest golf course on the PGA Tour schedule, so this week will play much differently than what we saw at LACC. You don't need to be a bomber to have success at the Travelers, so this is the week to target some longer shots who have proven to be short-course experts.

Travelers Championship best bets

Russell Henley top-20 finish (+160 FD)

Henley is riding an impressive hot streak to this year's Travelers Championship. The American has recorded seven top-20 finishes in his last eight starts, and he's gained strokes on approach in all eight. Henley's biggest issue has always been his putter, but he's gained strokes on the greens in six of his last seven events. Don't be surprised if he contends this week.

Brian Harman top-30 finish (+190 FD)

If you want to talk about a horse for the course this week, let me introduce you to Brian Harman. The lefty has finished T8 or better four times in his last five trips to TPC River Highlands. This golf course evens the playing field for shorter hitters like Harman, so this is a great week to back him in the top-30 market. 

In the news ...

Kyle Kuzma declines player option — Kuzma is set to hit free agency this offseason after declining his $13M player option with the Washington Wizards. Coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 21.2 points and 3.7 assists, the 27-year-old will be a coveted free agent in line for a major payday this summer. Oddschecker makes the Golden State Warriors +200 favorites to sign Kuzma.

Brandon Miller a lock for the No. 2 pick? — The 2023 NBA Draft is Thursday night, and we all know Victor Wembanyama is going first overall to the San Antonio Spurs. The real drama starts with the Charlotte Hornets at No. 2. Miller and Scoot Henderson have been neck-and-neck for weeks, but Miller's odds skyrocketed from +170 to -400 after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski appeared on "SportsCenter" Tuesday and said the Hornets are leaning toward the Alabama forward. Has Charlotte already made up its mind?

Tyreek Hill under investigation for assault/battery — Hill is in trouble with the law once again. According to WPLG-TV in Miami, Hill allegedly slapped a marina employee on the back of the head during an altercation Sunday. The employee has declined to press charges, but Hill is under investigation on allegations of assault/battery. The Miami Dolphins WR is +1000 to lead the NFL in receiving yards this coming season.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jack Dougherty