Hovland edges Scheffler in dramatic play-off to win Travelers Championship title

[p]It was the eighth career PGA Tour triumph for the 28-year-old Norwegian, who sank a birdie putt from just outside nine feet at the 18th hole.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/scheffler-scottie/bXfIuBYu/"]Scheffler[/a] then missed from just beyond two feet to seal [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hovland-viktor/lWxyqX2t/"]Hovland[/a]'s victory at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.[/p][p][b]"It has been stressful, but yeah, it's unbelievable, especially after Scottie hits it so close there," [/b]Hovland said.[/p][p][b]"I knew I had to bring in my best to have a chance to beat him, and he certainly brought it out of me. Couldn't be happier."[/b][/p][embed guid="9ca6b18d-0cac-475e-897a-aa17ea5315be" url="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/2071583012479774965?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Scheffler, a 30-year-old American and four-time major winner, settled for his fourth runner-up result of the year.[/p][p][b]"I played solid over the course of four days," [/b]Scheffler said. [b]"A little bit disappointed with the finish but overall I think my game is in a good spot."[/b][/p][p]Hovland took the $3.6 million top prize from the $20 million PGA signature series tournament.[/p][p]It was the eighth career PGA Tour title for Hovland and his first since last year's Valspar Championship. He won his only other play-off to capture the 2023 Memorial.[/p][p]Scheffler sank a clutch par putt from just inside nine feet on the 18th hole Sunday to force the play-off after both completed 72 holes on 21-under par 259.[/p][p]Scheffler fired a two-under 68 in the final round while Hovland shot 69 after a late-afternoon storm halted play for 83 minutes, leading to play being suspended for darkness before the play-off could begin.[/p][p]The play-off began with both players finding the fairway.[/p][p]A Scheffler 8-iron approach landed just outside two feet from the hole while Hovland dropped a 9-iron shot to just outside six feet.[/p][p]Hovland's pressure birdie putt dropped in on the right side, and Scheffler's putt lipped out off the left edge.[/p][embed guid="b97b4760-4757-4842-9c16-8d384ebbc8c8" url="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/2071589158133346758/video/1" social-type="twitter" /][p]"I hit it on my line. I think it was just a little bit firm," said Scheffler. [b]"It was one of those putts you had to make, and I hit it firm. Was a bit disappointing.[/b][/p][p][b]"Just one of those weeks where I was close but just not quite good enough."[/b][/p][p]Hovland won for the first time with his mother Galina watching.[/p][p][b]"I'm glad my mom got to be here, and we get to share this moment together," [/b]Hovland said.[/p][p]Hovland was cheered by Norwegian World Cup supporters, dressed in football attire and chanting his name.[/p][p][b]"It helps when you've got people like this cheering you on as well," [/b]Hovland said.[b] "I know how good I can get and I keep pushing myself, and I want to get better."[/b][/p][p]Scheffler, who won the 2024 Travelers title in a play-off, took his season opener in the California desert but has not won since. This is his fourth runner-up finish this year; he also came second at the Masters, Heritage and Doral.[/p]