PGA Tour announces Travelers Championship sponsorship extended to 2030

The PGA Tour and the Travelers Companies announced Monday that the Travelers has extended its sponsorship of the Travelers Championship to 2030.

In a joint announcement with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and tournament officials, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the league is “absolutely thrilled” to continue the partnership.

“This event has all the right ingredients,” Monahan said. “We have a wonderful facility that attracts so many stars and a fan contingent that is second to none in size and enthusiasm.”

Established in 1952 as the Insurance City Open, the event outside of Hartford, Conn. boasts Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Billy Casper, Phil Mickelson and Greg Norman among its winners. However, the tournament was on the verge of extinction at various points in the 2000s before Travelers brought stability with its sponsorship in 2007.

A lot of that stability is credited to the work of tournament director Nathan Grube and Travelers executive vice president and CAO Andy Bessette. The duo transformed the event into one of the more beloved spots on the tour calendar thanks to efforts like a renovation of the TPC River Highlands’ practice facility and clubhouse and increased outreach to tour players. The tournament has been recognized with 15 “Best Of” awards from the PGA Tour over the past several years, including Tournament of the Year in 2017, Players Choice in 2017 and 2018, and Most Fan Friendly Event in 2010, 2012 and 2017.

“I joked with Grube that we should hang a banner at the entrance. ‘Welcome to the Travelers, golf’s sixth major,’” Bessette said last summer. “From where this is to what it’s become, is a true success story.”

Last season was supposed to be the culmination of years of resurgence. With the U.S. Open less than two hours down the road at Winged Foot, the Travelers had secured four of the top 10 players by February, with its field eventually boasting nine of the top 10. But the tournament proved to be bittersweet; as the third event back in the sport’s return from its pandemic hiatus, no fans were allowed on the property.

However, Monday’s announcement ensures spectators will get the chance to return for summers to come.

The 2021 Travelers Championship begins June 24. Dustin Johnson is the defending champ.