2010 Champion Bubba Watson returned to TPC River Highlands earlier this month to take part in Media Day at the Travelers Championship.
In addition to doing interviews with national and local media outlets, the three-time PGA TOUR winner took part in a Q&A session with ESPN’s Chris Berman at both the MetroHartford Alliance Rising Star Breakfast and the Media Day press conference.
Last June, the 32-year-old won his first PGA TOUR event by defeating Scott Verplank and Corey Pavin in a playoff at the Travelers Championship. Watson entered the final round six strokes out of the lead but birdied five of the last seven holes to get into the playoff. His par on the second playoff hole capped the win and an extraordinary comeback.
“It’s amazing for a young kid to dream about making putts to win a golf tournament,” Watson said. “So for me to make it to the PGA TOUR and then come to play in great tournaments like the Travelers Championship, and then to have a putt to win, it’s amazing.”
Watson’s strong play carried over after the Travelers Championship. Two months later, he finished in second at the PGA Championship to secure a spot on the United States’ Ryder Cup team.
Watson’s success has continued in 2011, where he has earned two more victories on the PGA TOUR, including a win at Torrey Pines and in New Orleans a few weeks ago. With the victories, he is currently leading in FedExCup regular season points with 1,383 and is ranked 11th in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Next month, Watson will do something that he has never done in his golfing career, defend a title at the 2011 Travelers Championship.
“It will be different,” Watson said. “It will be an energy level that I’ve never felt before. I’ll just have to figure out a way to calm myself down and realize that there’s a golf tournament still to be played even though I won a year ago. It will be neat to get back here and remember some of the good shots.”
Watson’s day in Connecticut continued at ESPN’s studios in Bristol. He joined the Scott Van Pelt Show for a live interview before making appearances on SportsCenter and ESPN.com’s weekly golf show, Quiet Please. Watson also participated in an online chat with ESPN.com.
Click Here to View the Media Day Interview
8:00 a.m. Kids Fun Run (Ages 2-12)
8:30 a.m. BlumShapiro 5K for Camp Courant
Join runners, walkers and plenty of golf fans by participating in the BlumShapiro 5K for Camp Courant at the Travelers Championship to be held along the Cromwell roads that line the fairways and greens of TPC River Highlands and the spectacular practice facility. When the race is done, you can keep the action going! All participants will be given one ticket valid for any one day admission to the 2011 Travelers Championship!
The tournament is once again proud to support U.S. Armed Forces with Military Appreciation presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. This weeklong salute will give military personnel and their families a chance to see some of the best golfers compete at TPC River Highlands.
PATRIOTS’ OUTPOST (Military Hospitality Venue)
The Patriots’ Outpost is a complimentary hospitality venue that will offer free food and beverage, Wednesday-Sunday for all active, reserve and retired Military Service Members and United States Veterans. New for 2011, the venue will be fully climate-controlled thanks to the support from our sponsors.
ACTIVE, RESERVE AND RETIRED
Promo Code: MILITARY2011
Complimentary Admission all week for Military Service Members and their dependents. E-Ticket Available online and everyone must present a valid Common Access Card or retired ID card at the gate.
U.S. VETERANS
Promo Code: VETERAN2011
U.S. Veterans and their dependents can purchase a discounted ticket for $20, with 50% of each ticket sold will be donated to Birdies for the Brave, a PGA TOUR military outreach charity.
Click Here for More Information
For a second-straight year, Women’s Day presented by Travelers is sold out. The event, which will take place on Thursday, June 23, at TPC River Highlands, will be showcased by MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski as the keynote speaker. She will also be joined by her MSNBC “Morning Joe” co-host, Joe Scarborough, to discuss her new book, “Knowing Your Value,” and the unique professional and personal challenges women face in the key moments of their lives.
However, all tournament spectators on Thursday can take part in the afternoon golf clinic with PGA Professional Suzy Whaley at the TPC River Highlands practice facility.
In addition to the programming in the Pro-Am Tent, fans will also be encouraged to visit the Subway Fan Zone on Thursday, as it will feature activities and expo opportunities designed specifically for women. Additional sponsors for Women’s Day in 2011 include Liberty Bank as a Supporting Sponsor and BJ’s Wholesale Club and Hartford HealthCare as Event Partners. Proceeds from Women’s Day will benefit the charities of the Travelers Championship.
Click Here for More Information
The Travelers Championship will host a new kick-off tournament with the inaugural Walmart Classic for The First Tee of Connecticut (TFTCT). The event will be held this Sunday, June 5, 2011 at TPC River Highlands and will feature amateur foursomes with special appearances from local celebrities and junior members from The First Tee of Connecticut program.
The First Tee of Connecticut is a statewide, youth development organization with a national reputation. It serves over 50,000 young people annually in life skills development through various golf programs. The TPC River Highlands is also the home of the Karl Krapek Family Learning Links, a TFTCT practice facility that provides the perfect outdoor classroom for kids of all ages to learn and practice the game of golf.
The Travelers Championship proudly supports the PGA TOUR Tradition of Giving Back by donating 100 percent of net proceeds to charities each year. The Walmart Classic for The First Tee of Connecticut at the Travelers Championship is one example of a unique event that helps expand the tournament’s charitable mission.
Every year more than 3,000 people donate their time and effort to volunteer for the Travelers Championship. These men and women spend countless hours throughout the week to help make this one of the best events on the PGA TOUR. Gain the chance to go behind the scenes at the largest professional sporting event in Connecticut.
Requirements
- Have a valid email address, email is used to communicate with our volunteer chairman.
- Must be at least 14 years of age by June 20, 2011.
- Must make your uniform payment to be assigned to a volunteer committee.
- Committee assignments will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, so we recommend you complete your registration and uniform payment in a timely manner to secure your choice of committee.
2011 Volunteer Package
In addition to having a great time and giving back to the community, volunteers working their required shifts will receive the following benefits:
o Official Travelers Championship golf shirt
o Official Travelers Championship hat
o 2 Weekly Badges, valid for Grounds Admission each day
o 1 Parking Pass, valid for each day of volunteering
o Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation Party (Sat., June 25)
o Complimentary meal for each shift worked
—->Package Value: $400
Cost
$30 (For purchases made on or before May 2, 2011)
$33 (For purchases made after May 2, 2011)
About Greg Sampson
I am the Sales and Marketing Manager for NEGM. I am a member of the International Network of Golf & the Golf Writers Association of America. I specialize in customized all-inclusive programs across a multi-media platform.
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