June 29 (UPI) — Viktor Hovland sank a 6 1/2-foot birdie putt before watching Scottie Scheffler’s last tap lip out Monday to win the 2026 Travelers Championship through a one-hole playoff.
Hovland, who was tied with the world No. 1 at 21-under through four rounds, cashed in for $3.6 million with the first-place finish at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. Scheffler took home $2.1 million as runner-up.
“To put the pressure on him was awesome,” Hovland told reporters, when asked about his final putt.
No. 6 Collin Morikawa placed third, at 20-under. No. 4 Matt Fitzpatrick, who placed fourth, was two strokes behind Hovland and Scheffler. U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark (No. 9) and No. 25 Akshay Bhatia tied for fifth at 18-under.
“Winning in the playoff against Scottie, the best player in the world, that was pretty satisfying,” said Hovland, who is ranked No. 12.
“You always want to try to beat the best.”
Scheffler was among six players who were one stroke back of first-round leader Eric Cole (7-under) through the first 18 holes of the tournament. Hovland was two strokes behind Cole on Thursday in Cromwell.
Scheffler proceeded to card a 10-under 60 on Friday to jump into the solo lead. Hovland, who carded a 9-under 61 in the second round, opened Saturday’s third round in second place, just two shots behind Scheffler.
Scheffler was 3-under Saturday, when he dropped to second place. Hovland entered Sunday’s final round with a one-stroke lead on Scheffler. Bhatia and No. 36 Patrick Cantlay were 15-under, five strokes behind Hovland, through the first 54 holes.
The battle continued Sunday, with Scheffler and Hovland shooting their worst rounds of the week. Hovland, who fired a 1-under 69, carded four bogeys and five birdies over his final 18 holes. Scheffler scribbled a bogey and third birdies on his final-round scorecard, which resulted in a 2-under 68. He forced the playoff by holing an 8-foot, 8-inch par putt in near darkness in Cromwell.
The sudden death playoff was pushed to Monday due to lack of sunlight after a weather delayed Sunday’s final round. Hovland hit his final tee shot 293 yards up the middle of the fairway on No. 18. Scheffler followed with a 288-yard strike near Hovland’s shot.
Hovland carried his next shot 151 yards, landing the ball 6 feet, 7 inches short of the hole. Scheffler’s approach shot landed 2 feet, 4 inches from the hole.
Hovland’s final putt rolled right before dropping into the cup for a birdie. Scheffler followed, but put too much pace on his attempt, which rolled over the left side of the cup before going past the hole.
“A little disappointed with the result of today, but I did a good job to keep myself in the tournament last night,” Scheffler said. “I made the nice putt to close out last night.
“I’ll try to remember that one.”
The PGA Tour season will continue with the 2026 John Deere Classic. That tournament will be held from Thursday through Sunday in Silvis, Ill. The 2026 British Open, the final major of the season, will be held from July 16 to 19 in Southport, England.