Travelers Championship: Viktor Hovland beats Scottie Scheffler in play-off as world No 1 botches short birdie putt

Viktor Hovland beat Scottie Scheffler in a Monday play-off at the Travelers Championship as the world No 1 fluffed a short birdie putt on the first extra hole.

Scheffler had tied with Hovland on 21 under par across the regulation 72 holes at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut after a nine-foot par save at the 18th on Sunday followed the Norwegian missing a 25-foot birdie putt for the victory.

Organisers decided that there was not enough daylight to commence the sudden-death play-off that evening, so the players returned at 2pm local time the following afternoon.

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Hovland drained a birdie from seven feet and secured his eighth PGA Tour title - and first since the Valspar Championship in March 2025 - when Scheffler then botched a putt from around three feet.

Hovland's mum, Galina, was in attendance to watch her son win live for the first time.

Both players had produced terrific approaches to the green after landing their tee shots virtually adjacent on the fairway.

Hovland: I know how good I can be

Hovland said: "It has been stressful but it was unbelievable, especially after Scottie hit it so close.

"I knew I had to bring my best to have a chance of beating him. He certainly brought it out of me and I couldn't be happier."

"I know how good I can get. I keep pushing myself and I keep wanting to get better. When I fall short, it really p****s me off but I did a really good job.

"I didn't get off to a great start on Thursday but I didn't let it bother me as much. It was a blast.

"My dad still hasn't watched me win but my mum is here and we get to share this moment together."

Scheffler 'disappointed' but 'game in good spot'

Scheffler missed out on a second win at the Travelers - he defeated Tom Kim in a play-off at the 2024 event - and a second in 2026 after his triumph at The American Express in January, leaving him on 20 PGA Tour titles.

He said of the bungled birdie putt: "I hit it on-line, it was just a little bit firm. It was one of those putts you had to make. It was disappointing, especially with the putts I made last night to stay in the tournament."

Scheffler added: "I played solid over the course of four days. There were obviously some shots I would like back but overall it was a good, solid week.

"I am disappointed with the finish but feel my game is in a good spot. I struck the ball really nicely. It was a week where I was close but not quite good enough."

The 30-year-old will aim to successfully defend the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19, live on Sky Sports, after his win at Royal Portrush in the 2025 edition.

Watch the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf from 5pm, Thursday. There is also coverage on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW.

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