For world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, it’s long enough to make people wonder if something is wrong.That conversation is going to last at least another week, especially with the way it happened.OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOADViktor Hovland defeated Scheffler on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff Monday morning at TPC River Highlands, winning the Travelers Championship after both players finished regulation tied at 21-under Sunday.And he did it in stunning fashion.Viktor Hovland reacts after making birdie on the 18th green in a playoff during the final round continuation of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.
(Jordan Bank/Getty Images)Both players found the fairway on the first playoff hole.Both players hit their approaches inside 10 feet.
Then Hovland poured in his birdie putt, putting all the pressure on the best golfer in the world.Scheffler had a short birdie putt to extend the playoff.He missed.Yes, really.That’s the shocking part.Scheffler forced the playoff Sunday evening by draining an 8 1/2-foot par putt on the 72nd hole, then came back Monday morning and missed from about half that distance with the tournament on the line again.Golf is weird.
Golf is cruel.Even for the world's best player.The Travelers Championship needed a rare Monday finish after weather and darkness prevented the tournament from being decided Sunday.
The playoff began on the par-4 18th hole, and Hovland wasted no time finishing it.For the Norwegian, it meant a massive win after refusing to let Scheffler pull away during a tense, rain-delayed final round.For Scheffler, it meant another close call.Scottie Scheffler reacts after missing a putt on the 18th green in a playoff during the final round continuation of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.(Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Scheffler entered the Travelers with just one victory in 2026, which came all the way back in January at The American Express.
Of course, "just one victory...