The top five in the Official World Golf Rankings are missing from the Travelers Championship, which gets underway at TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut on Thursday, but there was never any doubt that defending champion Bubba Watson would tee it up this week. Watson, 37, misses the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio to do so but, granted his impressive record in the Travelers, punters may be glad that he does.
After missing the cut on his first attempt in 2006, Watson has finished in the top ten on five of his subsequent eight attempts at the Travelers, including playoff wins in 2015 and 2010, tied second in 2012 and fourth in 2013. The big-hitting left-hander has had a steady, if unspectacular, season, making 14 out of 14 cuts, including in all four majors and the Players Championship, and winning the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club in February for the second time. As the highest ranked player in the field this week, he looks a worthy favourite at 14/1 and worthy of support.
Selection: Travelers Championship – Bubba Watson to win outright (14/1 generally available)