Hovland is making his pro debut at the Travelers after finishing as low amateur at The Masters and U.S. OpenGETTY IMAGES
The PGA Tour Travelers Championship teed off this morning at TPC River Highlands just outside Hartford, and the field includes an "impressive foursome" of recently-turned-pro golfers in Viktor Hovland, Matthew Wolff, Collin Morikawa and Justin Suh," according to Ryan Herrington of GOLF DIGEST. Travelers Tournament Dir Nathan Grube said that connecting with these "rising stars makes good long-term sense" for the event. By "developing a relationship with young players early, the hope is they’ll become regulars at the tournament down the road." Grube and Travelers Exec VP & Chief Administrative Officer Andy Bessette "make it a point to have an open-door policy with collegians, knowing the timing of their event -- right after the end of the college season -- means many players are looking to jump into the pro ranks and are itching for the chance to play." The Travelers has "tried to capitalize on getting a chance to help young players get started as pros." Among the players to "make Travelers one of the first starts of their career are Webb Simpson, Rickie Fowler, Morgan Hoffmann, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau." Additionally, the tournament has "given exemptions to top amateurs before they’ve turned pro, including Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/19). Suh said, "This is always known to be one of the tournaments all the young guys turn professional" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 6/19).
STRICTLY BUSINESS: GOLF DIGEST's E. Michael Johnson noted Hovland has "signed a multi-year deal with Ping to play a minimum of 11 clubs" with a Ping staff bag and "logo on the hat." Wolff signed a "multi-year deal with TaylorMade" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/19). GOLF.com's Jessica Marksbury noted Hovland also signed a "multiyear agreement with Swedish apparel brand J.Lindeberg" (GOLF.com, 6/19). GOLF DIGEST's Herrington noted Hovland and Wolff will be "represented by fellow Oklahoma State alum, Sam MacNaughton of Wasserman Golf" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/19). GOLFCHANNEL.com's Brentley Romine noted Suh "signed a head-to-toe apparel and bag deal with Puma and a contract with Titleist" for his golf ball, but "decided to hold off on an equipment agreement." Suh is repped by p3SportsReps' Peter Webb (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 6/17).
