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Storylines for the Travelers Championship
J.J. Spaun. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Storylines for the Travelers Championship: J.J. Spaun back at it after emotional week

The major championship hangover is never fun, but the PGA Tour is making this one bearable with an immediate Signature Event the week after the U.S. Open. Here's what we're looking forward to at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands

Scottie Scheffler is the prohibitive favorite

Coming off a disappointing T7 finish at the U.S. Open, Scheffler heads to TPC River Highlands as the heavy +280 favorite (FanDuel) to win. The 28-year-old beat his good friend, Tom Kim, in a playoff last year to win the Travelers Championship. He also finished T4 in 2023 and T13 in 2022, so this course fits his eye. 

TPC River Highlands is a great fit for Scheffler's game because it demands precise iron play. Well, Scheffler ranks first on the PGA Tour this season in strokes gained on approach and proximity to the hole. It won't be easy to beat the World No. 1 this week. 

How will J.J. Spaun, Sam Burns perform after an emotional U.S. Open?

Spaun and Burns will be fascinating players to follow this week for different reasons. Coming off his first major championship (and the ensuing celebration), Spaun has to tee it up just four days later in another golf tournament. On one hand, he should be considered a contender after last week's stellar performance. On the other hand, we wouldn't blame him if he comes out flat after the biggest win of his career. 

As for Burns, he can't be feeling confident after shooting an 8-over 78 in the final round at Oakmont Country Club to blow his overnight lead. He could use some time off to recover from his emotional week, but he's right back at it to compete for the $4 million prize at TPC River Highlands. 

Rory McIlroy seeking form and purpose

McIlroy isn't himself right now. The Northern Irishman thought his long-awaited Masters triumph would free him up to play stress-free golf for the first time in a while, but now that he's completed his goal of winning the career Grand Slam, he's finding it hard to play with a purpose. 

McIlroy is coming off a T19 finish at the U.S. Open in which he was never in contention, had a few emotional outbursts on the course and continued to disrespect the media. Before that, he missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open by 12 shots and finished T47 at the PGA Championship. McIlroy isn't enjoying golf right now, but maybe he can turn that around at the Travelers Championship. 

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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