CROMWELL (Conn.) -- The U.S. Open was played at Los Angeles Country Club last week and has earned its reputation as one of the most difficult golf tournaments in the world. It is a mental meat-grinder designed to reveal any weaknesses in a golfer's game, and even the most hardened of competitors will feel nervous.
The Travelers Championship is this week's PGA Tour tournament. If the U.S. Open was the Ice Bucket Challenge then the Travelers Championship is a Jacuzzi. The Travelers Championship offers a charter flight to Hartford, Connecticut from Los Angeles, an ice cream and coffee shop on the driving range, and a TPC River Highlands course that consistently yields low scores. Jim Furyk, the PGA Tour's lone 58-hole player in 2016, shot here.
Keegan Brad, the favorite golfer of New England, from Woodstock in Vermont, birdied his first five greens on a cloudy morning. This was the same number of birdies that he had made during two rounds at the U.S. Open last week before he failed to make the cut. Bradley, 37 thought briefly about shooting 59 or even a 58, like Furyk, after making the turn at 29 and making birdies on the second and third (his 11th & 12th) holes to reach 8-under. Then a bogey at the fifth hole ended those hopes. But his 62, the best of the morning waves, put a smile in his face.
Bradley stated, "I made perfect shots with every shot that I took on the first five holes." This is a very special week. "I don't have my family here as much anymore because of school. Having them here is a great advantage to me."
Bradley credits missing the U.S. Open cut with improving his game at the Travelers Championship.
"I played awfully last week." "I was able get out there. I got here early, and I flew my Coach, Darren Mahan out here," he stated. "We did some really good work on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a great help. I was happier to miss the cut and come here, feeling better about my swing. It helped a great deal."
Dad taking a break during work @Keegan_Bradley | @TravelersChamp pic.twitter.com/Z24J1ej8qD
-- PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 22, 2023
Bradley's previous lowest round was a 64 in the RBC Heritage third round, the week following the Masters.
Bradley credits his coach's help and the support of his family for his superb round. TPC River Highlands was also ripe to be taken, as it is only 6,852 yards long with a 70-par.
Shane Lowry, Chez Reavie, Patrick Cantlay (who shot a 60 as an amateur here) and Kevin Streelman (2014), the 2014 Travelers Championship champion, shot 64s on Thursday.
Patrick Cantlay said, "I believe this golf course is going to give you many opportunities if your ball stays in the fairway. Especially if you use as many drivers around here as I do." Cantlay shot 60 as an amateur here in 2011 and had a 65 in his opening round on Thursday.
Bradley's job in Connecticut is not over yet. Last year, Xander Schwieffele won this tournament after shooting 63 in both the first and second round. Mini golf first.
Bradley smiled as he signed his card. "My son played this morning," he said. When fans or kids are not watching, they can play on the course. "He wants go this afternoon." "Any time I can spend with my boys and, this week, with my family in general, is special."
By: David Dusek
Title: Keegan Bradley is feeling right at home after posting 62 at the Travelers Championship on Thursday
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/06/22/keegan-bradley-travelers-championship-thursday/
Published Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:40:44 +0000
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