Xander Schauffele, the 2022 Travelers Championship winner, is looking forward to a more enjoyable playing experience at TPC River Highlands this week, finding it a welcome respite after the rigorous U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The Travelers Championship, known for its player-friendly atmosphere and challenging-yet-rewarding course, stands in contrast to the notoriously difficult Shinnecock Hills, where only three players finished under par in the recent major championship. Schauffele noted that while Shinnecock presented a significant grind, the Travelers often yields lower scores, citing Scottie Scheffler's win at 22-under two years ago and Jim Furyk's record 58 at the venue.
"I didn’t even mind the rain today, to be honest," Schauffele told Fox News Digital on Tuesday, hinting at the relief of moving from the U.S. Open conditions. His own performance at Shinnecock saw him finish at 2-over par, securing a T11 position.
While the course at TPC River Highlands has seen some adjustments, including narrowed fairways and increased rough in certain areas, Schauffele anticipates scores in the mid-teens for the winner, a more typical outcome than the extreme conditions of a major. "So I think the changes to the course have been great, narrowing certain spots, growing some rough in certain spots. So, definitely, I think we enjoy, you know, kind of a mid-teens win," he said.
Schauffele also highlighted the exceptional hospitality provided by the Travelers Championship, which contributes to its status as a favored event among PGA Tour players. He pointed to the attention to detail, from the quality of food and beverages to gifts provided for players and their families, creating a welcoming and familial atmosphere.
"Everything from, you know, the food, to the coffee on the range, to the coffee they bring into the dining room, the food, there's a gift when you register for your wife and yourself," Schauffele said. "They go above and beyond to just make you kind of feel warm and almost like family when you're on property."
Schauffele, a two-time major winner, is scheduled to tee off for the Travelers Championship on Thursday morning alongside three-time Ryder Cup teammate Collin Morikawa at 10:55 a.m. ET.