Viktor Hovland began the final round of the Travelers Championship with a one-stroke lead over Scottie Scheffler.
Hovland has been really struggling with his game over the past two years, while Scheffler has experienced completely contrasting fortunes.
The 30-year-old from Dallas has won 14 times since the start of the 2024 season, while the Norwegian has just one victory to his name during that same period.
So, as Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland entered the final round of the Travelers Championship, it was the world number one who was the red-hot favorite, despite the fact that he trailed by one shot.
However, neither player produced anywhere near their best golf on Sunday at TPC River Highlands, as they allowed numerous other players back into the tournament.
Hovland and Scheffler share a cordial relationship, so both players would have been looking forward to the final round on Sunday.
However, Hovland irritated Scheffler with his tediously slow play throughout the final round of the Travelers.
And the two players could not be separated after 72 holes, as Scheffler made a clutch eight-foot putt for par on the 18th green to force a playoff on Monday.
Scottie Scheffler’s first words after forcing playoff with Viktor Hovland
Scheffler spoke to reporters after finishing his round at TPC River Highlands on Sunday.
The world number one responded when asked how he felt he was playing before play was suspended due to heavy rain.
“Yeah, I made a nice putt there on 13 for birdie. Then on 14 I hit another nice tee ball, so I was in it. The conditions were getting pretty tough, but doing what I could to stay in it,“ Scheffler said.
“The delay always, you know, changes things up. But coming out after the delay I felt like I hit some good shots.
“I just, you know, conditions were different, it was hard to predict how the ball was going to come out of the grass, it was pretty wet out there. Then late it got dark pretty quick.“
Scottie Scheffler comments on his clutch putting at the Travelers
Scheffler was asked whether the clutch par putts he holed on 15 and 18 will give him extra confidence on the greens moving forward.
“Yeah, it’s nice to be able to hole those putts, keep myself in the tournament,“ he replied.
“It’s more fun when you’re making the ones to win, but to keep yourself in it is also nice. Like I said, I live another day until tomorrow, and will be coming out in the morning and see what I can do.“
Neither Scheffler nor Hovland produced their best golf on Sunday at the Travelers Championship.
However, both would have undoubtedly taken a playoff if it was offered to them at the start of the week.
The Travelers Championship playoff will begin at 09:00 a.m. ET on Monday, as Scottie Scheffler goes in search of his 21st PGA Tour win and Viktor Hovland attempts to secure his eighth victory.
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