An unexpected and dramatic scene unfolded near the climax of the Travelers Championship on Sunday, as the tournament was momentarily disrupted by a group of protesters on the final hole.
The incident occurred at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, where tension was already high due to the tight competition.
Scottie Scheffler, holding a narrow 1-shot lead over Tom Kim, was assessing a crucial birdie putt on the 18th green that could secure his victory. At this critical juncture, several individuals from different sections of the gallery unexpectedly broke onto the green, hurling a powdery substance that scattered across the putting surface.
This sudden intrusion caused a significant delay in play as security personnel swiftly intervened, tackling the protesters and removing them from the course.
Despite their prompt response, traces of white and red powder remained on the green, marking the spots where the disruption had taken place.
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Amid this chaos, Scheffler proceeded to attempt his birdie putt, only to miss and settle for a par.
On the other hand, Tom Kim faced a 10-foot putt for birdie, which, if successful, would force a playoff. Demonstrating remarkable focus amid the earlier disturbance, Kim made the putt, extending the competition.
The 18th hole at the Travelers Championship, known for being a playoff venue, became the stage for another round between Scheffler and Kim. Before they teed off again, officials made the critical decision to alter the hole’s pin location.
This adjustment was meant to minimize the impact of the powdery substance left on the green. In golf, the rules permit such changes in pin placement for playoff holes, which are not considered part of the original 18-hole final round.
This quick thinking by the officials ensured that the integrity of the game was maintained, allowing the playoff to proceed under more fair conditions.
