Scheffler, Hovland to settle Travelers Championship in Monday playoff

Scottie Scheffler of the United States and Viktor Hovland of Norway could not be separated at the Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour signature event with a $20 million purse, and will meet in a sudden-death playoff Monday.

Scheffler carded a 2-under-par 68 in the final round Sunday (Korean Standard Time) at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut (par 70, 6,835 yards), finishing at 21-under 259 to draw level with Hovland. Hovland forced the playoff with three consecutive birdies on holes 13 through 15, but fading daylight and adverse weather pushed the sudden-death playoff to Monday local time.

The two played in the same final pairing and traded precise shot-making throughout the round. Scheffler posted four birdies against two bogeys for his 68, while Hovland recorded three birdies and two bogeys for a 1-under 69. Collin Morikawa of the United States finished third at 20-under 260.

Hovland said after the round that it had been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. "It's been a while since I've been in this position," he said. "Going head-to-head with Scottie Scheffler, the best player in the world, and pulling off some great shots — that in itself was a lot of fun."

Scheffler also spoke to reporters after his round. "The conditions and the course were demanding, but I tried to stay focused on my game," he said. "Hovland is a great golfer and it was a fierce battle right to the end. I'll keep my concentration in the playoff Monday and give it my best."

Im Sung-jae shot a 1-under 69 in the final round to finish at 11-under 269, good for a tie for 30th. Kim Si-woo struggled to a 3-over 73 and ended the tournament at 9-under 271, tied for 44th.