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Travelers Championship: Top 10 power rankings at TPC River Highlands

By Mike Randleman

CROMWELL, CT- JUNE 22: A floating umbrella is shown near the 17th hole during the third round of the 2013 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2012 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
CROMWELL, CT- JUNE 22: A floating umbrella is shown near the 17th hole during the third round of the 2013 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2012 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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CROMWELL, CT – JUNE 25: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after putting on the 18th green during the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 25, 2017 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

From a macro view, a T-41st finish from Rory last week at the RBC Heritage was underwhelming for the world No. 1. He’ll rightfully admit, though, that Harbour Town is one of the worst setups for his game on the PGA Tour schedule. It’s why he’s skipped it since 2009.

TPC River Highlands is far from a bomber’s paradise, either, but it’s not as narrow as last week’s test.

McIlroy has had modest success in two starts at the Travelers Championship, which has become a more attractive stop for big names like him in recent years. The Northern Irishman finished T-17th in 2017 (67-73-70-64) and T-12th in 2018 (64-69-69-67).

“…you can make birdies, you can get on runs, and that’s a nice thing,” McIlroy was quoted by ASAP Sports in 2018. “The golf course sets up well. It’s a nice part of the world to be in this time of year. The weather is always pretty good. Because of that, the course is always in really good shape. It’s just all of that together just makes it a really enjoyable week.”

McIlroy is looking to regain the form that won him 2018-19 PGA Tour Player of the Year and has him in the mix to repeat this season. He’s got a win at the WGC-HSBC Champions and six top-fives.

The 31-year-old is third on Tour in total strokes gained (2.2) and is top-25 in every SG category besides putting (111th, .042).

McIlroy should have plenty of short clubs for approaches this week. He ranks first in approach from 125-150 yards (17’3”).

He’s won at Pete Dye courses before, most notably the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island and the 2019 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

McIlroy can’t wait until the schedule heads to bigger ballparks, but I like him to get it in gear and post his first post-quarantine top 10.

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