J.T. Poston’s Meltdown at the Travelers Championship

Golf challenges even the top players. J.T. Poston’s experience at the Travelers Championship highlights this.

Poston, ranked 32nd globally, faced potential success on the 13th hole. He reached greenside in two shots but ended with a score of 12. This meltdown shifted his day, finishing with a 6-over, placing him 69th among 72 players who made the cut.

At the 13th hole, Poston started with a strong tee shot in the fairway. His following shot ended in a greenside bunker, manageable for professionals due to their short game skills. A good bunker shot could have led to a birdie opportunity on the par-5. However, his bunker shot fell short, setting up a challenging chip. His fourth shot then went across the green into the water.

Poston’s situation worsened as he had to drop the ball three times before it stayed on the green. On his 10th attempt, he reached a putting position. He missed the 11th putt but completed the ordeal with a tap-in for a score of 12.

Poston explained to Golfweek, “It’s into the grain, but it looks like you can get enough golf ball on it, which is why I kept trying to hit a good chip.”

When asked about putting from the rough, he added, “I feel like it’s just going to hop and that takes all the speed out of it.” Poston was concerned about getting the necessary speed to get over the green’s false front.

His struggles continued on the 14th hole with a double bogey. He finished the day with a 76.

Meanwhile, the championship saw Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler tied at 21-under, leading to a playoff. Scheffler forced the playoff with a crucial putt, while Hovland’s attempt narrowly missed.