HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced the start of the 2018 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. This year’s tournament features many of the PGA TOUR’s top players, including defending champion Jordan Spieth, as well as Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Brooks Koepka, Paul Casey, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson.
The Opening Ceremony begins today at 9 a.m. at the first tee, with remarks from:
- Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Travelers;
- Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy; and
- Nathan Grube, Travelers Championship Tournament Director.
“We are honored once again to host some of the best golfers in the world,” said Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers. “With the best field we’ve ever assembled, fans can expect another great tournament. It also positions us to generate significant support for our local charities and substantial economic activity for the region, which is our vision for the tournament. Our partnership with the PGA TOUR makes all that possible, and we appreciate their support.”
The Travelers Championship donates 100 percent of its net proceeds to charity and has generated more than $38 million since the event began in 1952. Since Travelers became title sponsor in 2007, the Travelers Championship has generated nearly $15 million for more than 700 nonprofit organizations throughout New England, including $1.7 million for more than 160 charities in 2017.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, is once again the tournament’s primary beneficiary. It provides a summer camp experience, as well as year-round programs, for children facing serious illnesses and their families. Three campers — Tyler Backus, Carly Demartino and Jeremy Brown — will be the Honorary Co-Chairs of this year’s tournament.
The 2017 Travelers Championship received four awards from the PGA TOUR, including its top honor, “Tournament of the Year.” The tournament was also honored with the inaugural “Players Choice” award, a category voted on exclusively by PGA TOUR players, as well as awards for “Most Fan-Friendly Event” and “Best Sales.”
“So many fans, volunteers, sponsors and players look forward to the tournament every year,” Bessette said. “The opportunity to give back to the community that does so much to support Travelers is what drives us to make this world-class event a little better every year.”
In addition to golf, the Travelers Championship offers a number of special events to engage the community. During Tuesday’s practice round, players will compete in a closest-to-the-pin contest at The Umbrella at 15 ½ — a 40-foot-wide floating green in the shape of the Travelers red umbrella. The winner will earn $10,000 for the charity of his choice.
The Travelers Celebrity Pro-Am will take place Wednesday, with renowned journalist Norah O’Donnell, Tony Award-nominated actor Christopher Jackson from the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton,” George Lopez, Dane DeHaan, Boomer Esiason, Ray Allen and Chris Berman among those taking part. On Thursday, O’Donnell and Jackson will headline the sold-out Women’s Day Breakfast.
Concerts will take place Friday with American rock band Survivor and Saturday with country singer Tyler Farr.
Competition rounds of the Travelers Championship will be June 21–24. Golf Channel will provide live coverage from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT Thursday and Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. CBS will provide coverage from 3 to 6 p.m. EDT Saturday and Sunday.
For more information about the Travelers Championship, follow the tournament on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or visit TravelersChampionship.com.
About Travelers
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV)
is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto,
home
and business.
A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has
approximately 30,000 employees and generated revenues of approximately
$29 billion in 2017. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
