Hovland Defeats Scheffler in Playoff Resumed After Sunset to Claim First PGA Win of the Season

Norway's Viktor Hovland defeated world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to win the Travelers Championship, the final signature event of the 2026 PGA Tour season, after the match was delayed by one day due to darkness.
Hovland secured the victory and the $3.6 million winner's prize at the par-4 18th hole at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, by sinking a birdie putt after Scheffler missed his own.
With this win, Hovland claimed his first victory of the season and the eighth PGA Tour title of his career.
Hovland, who had been the sole leader through the third round, struggled in the final round held on June 28, carding a 1-under 69. This allowed Scheffler to catch up, resulting in a tie at 21-under 259.
The final round was suspended for over an hour due to inclement weather, and as a result, darkness fell by the time the final group finished their play.
Consequently, tournament officials postponed the playoff between the two players to the following day.
After a day of rest, the two players returned to face off in a display of precise shot-making.
As if by agreement, they both landed their tee shots in similar positions on the fairway.
They then both landed their second iron shots onto the green.
Scheffler placed his ball 0.7 meters from the hole, while Hovland landed his 2 meters away.
Scheffler appeared to have the advantage.
However, Hovland, who putted first, sank his birdie putt.
Hovland clenched his fist, unable to hide his joy.
Seeing this, Scheffler seemed to feel the pressure.
His birdie putt missed the hole, and the winner was decided.
Scheffler, who was seeking his first victory in about five months since winning The American Express in January, had to settle for second place.
Among other participants, Im Sung-jae finished tied for 30th at 11-under 269, and Kim Si-woo finished tied for 44th at 9-under 273.
Collin Morikawa placed third at 20-under 260, and Matt Fitzpatrick finished fourth at 19-under 261.
Wyndham Clark, who won the U.S. Open last week, tied for fifth with Akshay Bhatia at 18-under 262.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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