Spieth announces return to Travelers Championship to defend title; Day "in"

Will "The Leap" be reprised in some fashion at TPC River Highlands? It was announced Tuesday May 8 that Jordan Spieth, the 2017 Travelers Championship winner, has committed to play in this year's event on June 21-24.

The good news continued on May 15 when Jason Day, a 12-time winner on the PGA TOUR and No. 7-ranked player in the world,  committed to play in the 2018 tournament. “Adding Jason to our field is fantastic news for the tournament and our fans,” said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. “Jason is one of the world’s best players, so having him return to TPC River Highlands reflects our mission of bringing the world’s greatest golfers to Connecticut every year.”

Spieth won in memorable fashion in a playoff with Daniel Berger when he holed out a bunker shot on 18, which set off a chest-bumping celebration with his caddie, Michael Greller.

Tournament staff said in a press announcement:

Spieth’s win at TPC River Highlands came in his Travelers Championship debut. He led wire to wire, finishing at 12-under-par with rounds of 63-69-66-70. His even-par final round allowed Berger to catch him after 72 holes, but Spieth was able to hold on in the playoff.

“We’re excited that Jordan has decided to come back to defend his title,” said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers. “Watching the playoff bunker shot and seeing the crowd erupt still gives me chills. Jordan is an amazing player, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he’ll do this year against some strong competition.”

Spieth, a 24-year-old from Dallas, followed his win at the Travelers Championship with a victory at the 2017 British Open. That gave him three major championships; Spieth previously won the Masters and the U.S. Open in 2015. He will attempt to complete the career grand slam at this year’s PGA Championship.

With 11 PGA TOUR victories in his career, Spieth has been one of the world’s best players since he turned professional in 2012. He was named PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year in 2013, then won the PGA TOUR’s Player of the Year honors in 2015, when he won five tournaments, plus the FedExCup title. Spieth has held the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for 26 weeks, and is currently ranked No. 4.

Spieth joins a number of players who have already committed to the Travelers Championship, including Patrick Reed, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Paul Casey, Charley Hoffman, Bryson DeChambeau, Zach Johnson and Jim Furyk. For more information on this year’s tournament, visit www.TravelersChampionship.com.