Round 1 Recap

HARTFORD, Conn., June 22, 2017 – A first-time visitor – but certainly a familiar face – grabbed the lead during the first round of the 2017 Travelers Championship on Thursday.

Jordan Spieth, a two-time major champion who is currently No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking, shot a 7-under-par 63 – the lowest opening round of his PGA TOUR career – at TPC River Highlands and led by one stroke over Johnson Wagner and Brett Stregmaier. Graham DeLaet and Troy Merritt were another shot back at 5-under after shooting 65.

Spieth, a nine-time TOUR winner who captured the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015, is playing in his first Travelers Championship. So is Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2 in the world. McIlroy shot a 3-under 67 in his debut. Defending champion Russell Knox shot 69.

Thursday was Women’s Day, sponsored by Travelers. This year may have been the best-attended Women’s Day yet, with tickets selling out in 14 short minutes. The passionate crowd filled with many top female business leaders gathered to see special guests including global entrepreneur, designer and philanthropist Tory Burch and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef and writer Andrew Zimmern. Attendees had the opportunity to watch Zimmern cook a three-course meal and hear Burch explain her ambition and success. All proceeds from Women’s Day will go directly to the charitable efforts of the tournament.

Also on Thursday was the reception by the Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) and the first of two Liberty Bank Concert Series performances held at the MetroHartford Alliance Fan Zone, by country act Drake White and The Big Fire.

Friday will consist of the second round of competition, we are expecting another warm and sunny day for Round 2 of the tournament.