Eric Cole leads the Travelers Championship after a blemish-free, seven-under-par 63 in the opening round at TPC River Highlands. His round was highlighted by an eagle at the 13th, where he chipped in from off the green, setting the early pace.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick are part of a six-man group one shot behind on six-under. Scheffler, who finished tied for fourth at last week’s US Open, recorded a flawless 64 with six birdies. He stressed the need for a fast start in Connecticut. Scheffler said: “When the scoring is lower it can be harder and harder to play catch up.”
Fitzpatrick also posted a 64, making seven birdies against a single bogey while using a new driver. The Englishman, who has three PGA Tour wins in 2026, missed just one fairway in a controlled round. He said: “I played really solid. I took advantage of the scoring holes there.”
Fresh off his second US Open victory, Wyndham Clark endured a difficult day. His progress was undone by a triple-bogey seven at the par-four 12th, the result of a poor tee shot, a penalty drop, and a bunker visit. Despite making four birdies, the error left him with a two-under 68, five shots off the lead. Clark remained positive about his overall performance. “I had one bad swing, made a triple. Other than that we would be at five under and in a great spot,” Clark said. “Really pleased with my round, felt awesome over everything. Just one bad swing.”
Other English players Aaron Rai and Justin Rose are also in contention, sitting two shots back after carding five-under 65s.
