Travelers Championship tips: Sam Burns shaping up to build on US Open resurgence

Travelers Championship key stats:

• When: June 20 - 23 2024
• Where: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut 
• How long: 6,844 yards - par 70
• What to expect: Low-scoring course, key metrics are driving accuracy to avoid thick rough and putting on the smallish greens. 
• Who won last year: Keegan Bradley (-23) 

 

Scottie Scheffler tees off as the 7/2 favourite this week, despite his putting woes rearing their ugly head again at last weekend’s US Open. The world number one continues to play well but is losing a significant number of strokes on the green, and that will catch up with any golfer eventually.

Xander Schauffele is double Scheffler’s price after finishing well last week to make the top ten at Pinehurst, which was his best effort since winning the PGA Championship last month.

Deeper in the betting, Sam Burns might be worth an each-way punt at 28/1, a price that belies how well he finished at the US Open.

Burns made a horrific start at Pinehurst last week, but he played the last 66 holes as well as anyone and his final round 67 matched the best Sunday score and earned him a back-door top-10 finish.

He has now made the top 15 in four of his last five starts (missed the cut at the PGA), and his climb up last week’s leaderboard could make him a danger to the market leaders here.

Suggested bet: Sam Burns each-way in the Travelers Championship

Collin Morikawa could not find his magic touch last week after being highly touted to land the third Major of 2024. A short course is no disadvantage, so he must be considered seriously this week if up for it. His odds of 10/1 may be a bit short for each-way punters though.

Ludvig Aberg was at the top of the leaderboard at Pinehurst until his lack of precision let him down on Sunday. Perhaps he needs more experience on the courses on the Tour to go with his undoubted talent? 

The less demanding yardage of the River Highlands course brings it right into the range of shorter, more accurate hitters, so it’s no surprise to learn that Brian Harman has been placed here in each of the last three years, culminating in last season’s tie for second behind Keegan Bradley.

Since missing the cut at the Masters, Harman has been bubbling just under the leading bunch in each of his six starts, earning himself some decent prize money without ever making his presence known at the top of the leaderboard. That could all change here, and he looks an each-way snip at 33/1.

Suggested bet: Brian Harman in the Travelers Championship

Patrick Cantlay opened with a stunning 65 last week, which was enough to keep him in contention all weekend before tying for third, two strokes behind Bryson DeChambeau. Punters have been keen to support him again this week on a course he loves and he looks good value for his 18/1 price tag.

Viktor Hovland had a nightmare first round at Pinehurst which cost him dear, as he missed the cut despite going low on Friday. Viktor has decent course form here, and will expect to bounce back this week, so he might be worth following each-way at 18/1.

Last but not least, Akshay Bhatia has not quite reached the heights that won him the Texas Open back in April, but the 22-year-old has been putting his game in order over the last few weeks.

He came 22nd at the Memorial and his game was rock solid again at Pinehurst last week but not enough to threaten the leaders, however he can be pleased with making the top 16 in such esteemed company and on such a demanding course. 

If he can continue that uplift in his game this week on a course that should fit in with his skillset, then he could make a mockery of his 66/1 odds by the end of the weekend.

Suggested bet: Akshay Bhatia each-way in the Travelers Championship

Suggested bet summary:

• Sam Burns (28/1) - 1 point each-way
• Brian Harman (33/1) - 1 point each-way
• Akshay Bhatia (66/1) - 0.5 points each-way

All listed prices are from Planet Sport Bet and are correct at time of article publication, but could be subject to change

 

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