Monday, June 29, 2026 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Photo: AP Photo / Jessica Hill
Viktor Hovland wins Travelers in Monday playoff, Scottie Scheffler misses short birdie putt
Per The Associated Press/PGA TOUR: “Viktor Hovland capped off a gritty rally when he made a 7-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole Monday morning and won the Travelers Championship when Scottie Scheffler missed a 4-foot birdie putt. Scheffler had to make an 8-foot par in near darkness Sunday night to force the playoff…”
B&B POV: Hovland had to wake up early for work on Monday. And boy, he’s glad he did after defeating Scottie Scheffler in a one-hole playoff to win at TPC River Highlands. Hovland has had an up-and-down year on tour so far. Scottie, well, he’s had a good year by most others’ standards, but not by his. This morning, he lost in his 2nd playoff of the season and now has four 2nd-place finishes to go with only one win. By now, we all assume he would have at least banked a few wins.
What would probably be a banner year for 99.99% of pros on earth has so far been lackluster for the big boy from Texas, who has yet to play his best golf.
Photo: Andrew Weavers / Getty Images
Haeran Ryu wins KPMG Women’s PGA for her first LPGA major title
Per Beth Ann Nichols / Golfweek: “Haeran Ryu’s win probability after the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA was 0.2 percent. An opening round of 73 put her 10 strokes back of leader Ina Yoon and in danger of missing the cut.
But then Ryu changed her putter, and well, everything changed with it…”
B&B POV: The KPMG Women’s PGA was a great battle won by Haeran Ryu – her first major championship victory. She has now won in each of her first four years on tour, becoming only the 7th LPGA player to do it. However, our favorite story from this week was that Brooke Henderson’s sister had a baby girl and named her Sahalee. Her sister Brittany caddied for her when she won the KPMG 10 years ago, just outside of Seattle, on a golf course named…Sahalee. Brooke posted a Top 3 finish and is now going to go play Aunt for a minute or two.
Photo: Getty Images
Winners, Losers, and Payouts: Viktor Hovland Outlasts Scottie Scheffler in Travelers Championship Thriller
Per Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys: Some tournaments are won with fireworks. This one was won with patience.
After thunderstorms washed away any chance of a traditional Sunday finish, the Travelers Championship spilled into Monday morning with two of the best players in the world still standing. One sudden-death playoff hole later, Viktor Hovland walked away with the trophy, a $3.6 million payday, and another signature victory after outlasting Scottie Scheffler…
2026 Travelers Championship prize money payouts:
- Collin Morikawa, -20, $1,380,000
2. Viktor Hovland, -21, $3,600,00
3. Scottie Scheffler, -21, $2,180,000
Click the button to view the full payouts:
Photo: Getty Images
What’s in the Bag: Viktor Hovland’s Winning Setup at the 2026 Travelers Championship
Per Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys: Viktor Hovland, Ping’s most prominent tour ambassador, has never been afraid to experiment with his equipment. Throughout the 2026 PGA Tour season, the Norwegian has tested everything from driver heads and shafts to fairway woods, constantly searching for the perfect combination. While some players rarely make changes, Hovland embraces the process, almost to a maddening fault, believing the right setup can provide the confidence needed to compete against the world’s best.
That search finally paid off in a big way at the 2026 Travelers Championship.
Driver: Ping G440 LST (Released: 2025)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6 X
Putter: Ping PLD DS72 Prototype
Click to View Viktor’s Winning Bag >
Photo: Getty Images
Phil Mickelson out of Open Championship, to miss all four majors for first time in professional career
Per Joel Beall / Golf Digest: “Phil Mickelson will miss all four majors for the first time in his professional career.
Mickelson’s name is no longer listed in the Open Championship’s field on the tournament’s website, instead moving to the non-playing portion of exempt players. Mickelson captured the claret jug in 2013 at Muirfield, and past champions are allowed to compete until 60 years old. Mickelson’s only competitive appearance of the year came in mid-March at LIV Golf’s South Africa event, where he tied for 48th…”
B&B POV: Here are two signs that we are all getting old and that life at times is turbulent for everyone, including the rich and famous: Mickelson and Tiger will miss all four majors this year.
FEATURED LESSON
Viktor Hovland Keeps it SIMPLE! — How to Hit Better Greenside Bunker Shots
Don’t be intimidated by the sand. Swing aggressively through it, and watch that little white ball pop up and out. You can do it!
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