HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced the start of the 2019 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. This year’s tournament features many of the PGA TOUR’s top players, including Brooks Koepka, Francesco Molinari, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, Jason Day, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth and defending champion Bubba Watson, among others.
The Opening Ceremony begins today at 9 a.m. EDT at the first tee, with remarks from:
- Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers;
- Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut;
- Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Travelers; and
- Nathan Grube, Travelers Championship Tournament Director.
“We’re thrilled to welcome fans from around the globe and 16 of the 30 top-ranked golfers in the world to TPC River Highlands,” said Schnitzer. “We expect an amazing tournament, but what’s really amazing is what happens because of the tournament. Together we’ll raise millions of dollars for local charities and their life-changing work, and generate tens of millions of dollars in economic impact for Connecticut. We couldn’t do it without the dedicated volunteers, sponsors and tournament staff whose time, effort and resources have earned the Travelers Championship the PGA TOUR’s ‘Players Choice’ award two years running. And we’re grateful, as always, for the support of the PGA TOUR and the world-class golfers who embrace the spirit of the tournament.”
The Travelers Championship donates 100% of its net proceeds to charity. Since 2007, when Travelers became title sponsor, the event has generated nearly $17 million for more than 750 nonprofit organizations throughout New England, including $2 million for more than 150 charities in 2018. That includes a $200,000 donation from Bubba Watson, who won the tournament in 2018 for the third time.
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. Watson’s $200,000 pledge last year was directed to the Camp.
“From the moment last year’s event ended, our team has been hard at work to make the 2019 Travelers Championship the best yet,” said Bessette. “When you combine our strong player field with all of the great events we have scheduled for the week, it adds up to a fantastic tournament that will do so much good long after the last putt drops.”
Complementing recent enhancements to the golf course and practice area, a new 40,000-square-foot clubhouse will provide the players with more comfortable locker room facilities, and the players and their families with updated dining accommodations.
The Travelers Championship also offers a number of special events to engage the community. During Tuesday’s practice round, players will compete in The Umbrella at 15 ½ Challenge — a closest-to-the-pin contest with shots sent toward a 40-foot-wide floating green in the shape of the iconic Travelers red umbrella logo. The winner earns $10,000 for the charity of his choice.
The Travelers Celebrity Pro-Am will take place Wednesday, featuring popular personalities from the world of sports (Ray Allen, Nick Bonino, Boomer Esiason, Mark Teixeira) and entertainment (Chris Berman, Dane DeHaan, George Lopez). On Thursday, “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan will headline the sold-out Women’s Day Breakfast, which includes a performance by Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kelli O’Hara.
Concerts are scheduled for Friday with American rock band Spin Doctors and Saturday with country duo LOCASH.
Competition rounds will be held June 20–23. Golf Channel will provide live coverage from 3 to 6 p.m. EDT Thursday and Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 2:45 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 $30 billion in 2018. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
