TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALLY BEGINS WITH OPENING CEREMONIES AND AETNA PRO-AM

The PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly tournament officially began with opening ceremonies held on Monday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Andy Bessette and Tournament Director Nathan Grube were joined by representatives from The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, local officials and members of the Connecticut State Police Department and Boston Police Department who responded to tragic events in each state.

 After formal remarks, eleven-year-old Cameron Merritt, a Hole in the Wall Gang Camp camper, hit the ceremonial tee shot. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a summer camp for children coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses, is one of the more than 100 charitable beneficiaries from of the tournament which donates 100 percent of net proceeds to charity.

 With the tournament officially underway, pros and amateurs participated in the Aetna Tournament Players Pro-Am. Notable PGA TOUR professionals like Derek Ernst, Rory Sabbatini, Heath Slocum and John Daly, played along side of amateurs providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Winners of the Aetna Tournament Players Pro-Am are below.

 1^st Place – Eric Meierdierks

Kevin Brogan, John Stites, David Eischeid and John DeLuca

 2^nd Place – D.H. Lee

Mark Lukas, Gary Collingwood, Chris Lawrence and Dennis Jenks

 3^rd Place – Troy Matteson

Joseph Fields, Joseph Fields, II, Phil Barbaro and Joe Toner