At the Travelers Championship, caddies are celebrated in more ways than one

CROMWELL, Conn. (WFSB) - With the Travelers Championship becoming a signature event on the PGA Tour, players have another reason to look forward to playing here in Connecticut.

Whether it’s the food, the atmosphere, the fans, or the course itself (which has a history of creating some exciting final round drama) players on the tour look forward to playing the Travelers every year.

“I love the town, kind of that small town feel. We play in a lot of big cities. This has that small town feel, and there’s so much support from the fans,” said Tony Finau.

“They’ve got umbrellas for us to sit under if it starts raining a little. All of us get cars, the caddies get cars. The dining is incredible,” said Xander Schauffele.

“They’ve got free pizza on the range for the caddies and the players. They go above and beyond to make the experience special,” said Finau.

The Travelers is scheduled right after the U.S. Open.

Knowing how grueling the PGA Tour schedule can be, this weekend is a nice change of pace for the players.

“Having a little break where we can come to a golf course, where we can have some fun and make some birdies, it’s a nice feeling,” said Finau.

“Even if it wasn’t coming off the back of the U.S. Open, it’s just an awesome week. They do an awesome job of hosting all of us making us feel like we’re at home,” said Schauffele.

At TPC River Highlands, the players aren’t the only ones who are treated like kings. Caddies are celebrated in more ways than one.

“As far as tournaments go, taking care of the caddies, this is number one, this is ‘the creme de la creme.’ From doing laundry for us, to having meals with menus, and just the amenities. They give us a vehicle for the week, we’re treated like players. It’s a great event for us,” said Scott Vail.

Scott Vail is on the bag for U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley.

When you combined the fact Bradley’s from New England, with the hospitality of the Travelers, you get a special homecoming for a very successful duo.

“It means a lot to us. It makes it more personal. We feel like we feel valued here, which is something that we don’t get all at other tournaments,” Vail said.

It’s always important to keep the person on the bag happy!

Knowing how involved caddies are when it comes to the success of the players, it’s great seeing them treated in a special way.