Hard to believe it’s been a year since Jordan Spieth’s amazing bunker shot at The Travelers.
The PGA Tour has replayed his famous “butt bump” leap with caddie Michael Greller hundreds of times in its television ads.
Despite being the week after a major, The Travelers field this week is packed with big names — including Spieth as the defending champion.
But this year Spieth’s game is in shambles, he can’t putt a lick and his ball striking abandoned him as well last week at Shinnecock Hills.
So what can be expected of him this week? Not much, especially considering the rest of the field.
Brooks Koepka is right back in the saddle with the U.S. Open Trophy in his possession again. He’s got to have some sort of physical and mental letdown after that kind of performance, right? Tough to say, Koepka is showing that he’s a very special talent and if you had to rank players at this moment, he’s the best out there.
Rory McIlroy looked miserable last week, especially after his first round 80. He’s been consistent as far as his inability to adapt to windy conditions. But he’s back this week and probably hungry for some “normal golf.”
Jason Day was another big name ranked player who was awful last week. J-Day needs some redemption.
Same for Justin Thomas. He made the weekend but failed to make any kind of meaningful move. He’s in the field this week.
Patrick Reed made an impressive Sunday front-nine run. Looks like he’s going to be a serious contender in these major championships. He’s a guy to watch this week.
Daniel Berger was one of the Sunday surprises at Shinnecock. Did okay on Sunday, didn’t totally melt under the heat of playing in the final pairing. He’s in good form going into Thursday.
In all, a really good field for the folks up there in the Cromwell area. Should be fun at the TPC River Highlands.
