The Travelers Championship is already a summer magnet for golf fans, pulling in crowds from across the northeast and boasting the second-highest attendance on the PGA Tour after the Waste Management Open. The event at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, has nailed its reputation as a must-see, especially since there’s no longer a tournament in the tri-state area, making it the go-to for New York and New Jersey golf junkies.

But even with the bleachers packed, there’s still a notable absence of some of the sport’s biggest stars. Golfers like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka are off the guest list thanks to their commitment to LIV Golf, leaving a few empty spots on the leaderboard—and maybe in fans’ hearts.

Travelers Championship director Nathan Grube isn’t shy about wanting the LIV guys back. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, I know the guys. These are personal to us,” Grube said, emphasizing the tournament’s close ties with players who have defected. He added, “I have no idea what’s going to happen, but we love the guys, we invest in them, we get to know them. I wish them the best, and I’d love to see them here.” That’s about as close as you get to a group hug in pro golf.

With the Northern Trust out of the picture, the Travelers team has kicked their regional outreach into high gear, targeting New Englanders but also giving tri-state fans a new home for their golf fix. Grube pointed out their efforts to draw families and fans from all over the region: “This is something that New England should be proud of.”

And if you ask defending champ Scottie Scheffler, Travelers is top-tier. He praised the event for how well it treats players, their families, and even caddies, claiming, “If you ask any caddie on tour what their favorite event is, I think they’d say the Travelers Championship.” When the caddies are happy, you know you’re doing something right.

New England News

Travelers Championship Director Eager to Welcome LIV Golf Stars Back Amid Record Attendance