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2026 Travelers Championship: Your Ultimate Guide to Thursday's Tee Times and Star Pairings

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The 2026 Travelers Championship is kicking off this Thursday, June 25th, and if you’re a golf nut, you need to know who’s teeing off when and with whom. TPC River Highlands is the stage, and believe me, there are some absolute barnburners in the opening round pairings. This isn’t just another stop on the tour; it’s the eighth and final Signature Event of the PGA Tour season. That means the big dogs are out, and the stakes are higher than a mulligan on the first tee.

After the dust settled from the major championship and national open grind, you might think some of these events fly under the radar. Not this one. The players are making the trek, and they’re ready to rumble. We’re talking about guys who are red-hot, guys looking to reclaim glory, and defending champs who know how to get it done on this track. So, let’s dive into the meat and potatoes: who’s playing, when, and who they’re stuck with for the first 18 holes.

The Big Names and Their Opening Day Partners

You want star power? You got it. Fresh off snatching his second U.S. Open title, Wyndham Clark is riding a wave. He’s looking to make it three wins in his last five starts. That kind of form is terrifying. He’s not just playing well; he’s dominating. You can bet he’s got his eye on adding another trophy to the cabinet, and TPC River Highlands is his next proving ground.

Then there’s Scottie Scheffler. The guy is a machine. He took this event two years back in 2024, and even though he’s still hunting for his second win this season, his consistency is insane. Eight top-10 finishes in thirteen starts? That’s not luck; that’s pure, unadulterated skill. He’s the benchmark, and everyone else is just trying to keep pace.

And let’s not forget Keegan Bradley, the defending champ. Last year, he was on fire, especially heading into the Ryder Cup. Now, he’s back. His results this year haven’t been spectacular – T12 at the RBC Heritage is his best so far in 15 appearances – but you can never count out a guy who knows how to win this tournament. He’s got that hometown advantage, or at least the crowd support, and that can be a hell of a motivator.

Key Tee Times to Circle on Your Calendar

So, who are these titans playing with, and when do they actually get out there? Mark your calendars, set your alarms, because you don’t want to miss these groups. These are the pairings that’ll have the commentators buzzing and the fans glued to their screens.

For the defending champ, Keegan Bradley, he’s locked in with none other than Jordan Spieth. That’s a heavyweight pairing right there. They tee off at 1:45 p.m. ET. You know Spieth is always a threat, and seeing him paired with Bradley will be must-watch TV. Expect fireworks.

Following them, Scottie Scheffler is out there with Sam Burns. That’s a 1:55 p.m. ET start. Scheffler, the consistent force, against Burns, who’s capable of putting up massive numbers. This is a battle of styles, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how they navigate the course.

And then, the hottest player on tour, Wyndham Clark. He’s playing alongside Tommy Fleetwood. That tee time is 2:05 p.m. ET. Fleetwood is a class act, a major winner, and he’s not going to back down. Clark’s current form is unreal, but Fleetwood is the kind of player who can absolutely step up and challenge him. This is arguably the marquee group of the day.

How to Catch All the Action: TV and Streaming

You’re not going to be able to see all of this live unless you’re actually there, which, let’s be honest, most of us aren’t. So, how do you follow along? Don’t worry, the PGA Tour has you covered. For Thursday’s opening round, you can tune into the Golf Channel from 3-6 p.m. ET. That’s your prime-time window for the highlights and the crucial late-afternoon action.

But if you’re like me and you want to see every single shot, every single putt, from the crack of dawn, then PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ is your best friend. They’re kicking off exclusive early streaming coverage on Thursday starting bright and early at 8:15 a.m. ET. Plus, they’ll have all the featured group and featured hole coverage. You can’t miss a beat with that setup. It’s the best way to get your golf fix from start to finish.

Navigating TPC River Highlands: What to Expect

TPC River Highlands. It’s not the longest course on the PGA Tour, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a strategic test. It’s known for its challenging par-70 layout and tricky greens. Birdies are out there, but you have to earn them. The greens can be fast, and the slopes are no joke. Miss the fairway, and you’re going to have a tough angle into greens that demand precision.

The course demands good iron play and a solid putting stroke. You can’t just bomb it around here. You need to think your way around the golf course. Players who can control their trajectory and hit accurate approach shots will be rewarded. It’s a course that rewards smart play, not just brute force. And with the pressure of a Signature Event, those small mistakes can cost you dearly. We’ve seen plenty of guys get themselves into trouble here by trying to force things.

The signature hole, the 18th, is a classic risk-reward par-5 that often provides late-round drama. It’s a hole where eagles are possible, but so are double bogeys if you get careless. Expect to see some players go for broke, and others play it safe. That’s the beauty of this course; it offers options, and the players’ decisions under pressure are what make it so compelling.

The Storylines to Watch Beyond the Big Names

While the marquee pairings get most of the attention, there are always other storylines bubbling under the surface. You’ve got players fighting for their tour cards, guys trying to break into the FedExCup standings, and veterans looking to prove they’ve still got it. This tournament is crucial for everyone, not just the top-ranked players.

Think about guys like Tony Finau, who is always a threat to go low. He’s paired with Ben James, a younger player who will be eager to make a statement. That’s a classic veteran-meets-up-and-comer matchup. Or how about Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele? Both are major champions and consistently among the best. Their pairing is another high-profile group that could easily set the tone for the week.

And you can’t forget about the international contingent. Players like Min Woo Lee, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Hideki Matsuyama are always capable of producing incredible golf. Their performances can often fly under the radar until they’re suddenly in contention on Sunday. Seeing how they navigate TPC River Highlands against the best in the world is always a treat.

Wagering on the Travelers Championship: Know Your Options

For those who like to add a little extra excitement to their golf viewing, betting on the Travelers Championship is a popular pastime. If you’re looking to get in on the action, there are plenty of sportsbooks available. For instance, if you’re interested in signing up for Fanatics Sportsbook, you can use the code “SUBPAR” to unlock a special welcome offer. It’s always smart to shop around and find the best odds and promotions before you place your bets. Remember, bet responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. The thrill of watching your pick contend is fantastic, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial well-being.

When you’re considering your wagers, look at recent form, course history, and how players perform under pressure in Signature Events. Some players thrive in these high-stakes environments, while others might falter. The tee times and pairings we’ve discussed are crucial for understanding early momentum. A strong opening round can set a player up for the rest of the tournament, and you might find value in backing players in favorable early groups.

The Full Thursday Tee Sheet: Every Grouping

To make sure you don’t miss a single moment, here’s the complete list of tee times and pairings for the opening round on Thursday. Whether you’re looking for your favorite player or just curious about who’s out there, this is your comprehensive guide. Remember, these times are all Eastern Time (ET).

Tee No. 1

  • 8:15 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Matt McCarty
  • 8:25 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Jackson Suber
  • 8:35 a.m. – Min Woo Lee, Nicolai Hojgaard
  • 8:45 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Eric Cole
  • 8:55 a.m. – Ryan Gerard, Jake Knapp
  • 9:05 a.m. – Tony Finau, Ben James
  • 9:15 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Shane Lowry
  • 9:25 a.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Cantlay
  • 9:40 a.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Harry Hall
  • 9:50 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Hideki Matsuyama
  • 10:00 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Ludvig Aberg
  • 10:10 a.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Nick Taylor
  • 10:20 a.m. – Aaron Rai, Maverick McNealy
  • 10:30 a.m. – Russell Henley, Cameron Young
  • 10:40 a.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas
  • 10:55 a.m. – Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele
  • 11:05 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Brian Harman
  • 11:15 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Mark Hubbard
  • 11:25 a.m. – Alex Noren, Alex Smalley
  • 11:35 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Jason Day
  • 11:45 a.m. – Michael Kim, Sam Stevens
  • 11:55 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Daniel Berger
  • 12:10 p.m. – Brian Campbell, Taylor Pendrith
  • 12:20 p.m. – Keith Mitchell, Ryo Hisatsune
  • 12:30 p.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Adam Scott
  • 12:40 p.m. – J.J. Spaun, Chris Gotterup
  • 12:50 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Sungjae Im
  • 1:00 p.m. – J.T. Poston, Andrew Novak
  • 1:10 p.m. – Sepp Straka, Harris English
  • 1:25 p.m. – Bud Cauley, Viktor Hovland
  • 1:35 p.m. – Justin Rose, Corey Conners
  • 1:45 p.m. – Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth
  • 1:55 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns
  • 2:05 p.m. – Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood
  • 2:15 p.m. – Sahith Theegala, Mac Meissner
  • 2:25 p.m. – Si Woo Kim, Denny McCarthy

There you have it. The stage is set for the 2026 Travelers Championship. With this schedule, you’ve got no excuses. Get ready for a wild ride at TPC River Highlands. It’s going to be a battle, and I, for one, can’t wait to see who comes out on top. Let the games begin.