Hovland beats Scheffler in sunset playoff to win Travelers Championship

Norwegian claims 8th PGA Tour title with birdie at 18; Scheffler misses from 0.7 meters

Viktor Hovland of Norway reacts after making a birdie on the 18th hole during the playoff of the 2026 Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour signature event, on Monday (local time). [AFP]

Viktor Hovland of Norway defeated world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States in a playoff to win the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour's final signature event of the season, which carries a $20 million purse.

Hovland clinched the title Monday (local time) with a birdie on the par-4 18th hole at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, after Scheffler missed his own birdie putt. Hovland took home the winner's check of $3.6 million.

The victory gave Hovland his first win of the season and his eighth on the PGA Tour.

Hovland had held the outright lead through three rounds but managed only a 1-under-par 69 in Sunday's final round, allowing Scheffler to catch him. Both players finished at 21-under-par 259, forcing a playoff. The fourth round had been suspended for more than an hour due to severe weather, and by the time the final group completed play, darkness had fallen. Tournament organizers postponed the playoff to Monday.

Viktor Hovland flashes a broad smile after winning the Travelers Championship on Monday. [AP]

After a night's rest, the two players returned to the 18th and traded precise iron shots — Scheffler left his second shot 0.7 meters from the hole, Hovland 2 meters out. Hovland putted first and rolled his ball into the cup, pumping his fist in celebration.

Scheffler's birdie attempt slid past the hole, and the championship was decided. Scheffler had been chasing his first title in roughly five months since winning the American Express in January.

Among the South Korean players in the field, Im Sung-jae finished in a tie for 30th at 11-under-par 269, while Kim Si-woo tied for 44th at 9-under-par.

Collin Morikawa of the United States finished third at 20-under-par 260, and Matt Fitzpatrick of England was fourth at 19-under-par 261. Wyndham Clark, who won the US Open last week, tied for fifth with Akshay Bhatia, both at 18-under-par 262.

yjc@heraldcorp.com