Travelers Championship begins as officials keep an eye on the weather

CROMWELL, CT (WFSB) - The Travelers Championship teed off at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell on Thursday morning.

The world’s best golfers hit the links starting at 8 a.m.

Emergency crews prepared for more than just golf.

With temperatures expected to soar, EMTs said they put safety first for fans, players, and staff.

Before the first group teed off at 8 a.m., Trinity Health emergency responders held a strategic pre-round briefing.

About 60 staff members were stationed across TPC River Highlands throughout the day.

The response plan included five cart teams, three bike patrols, and medical personnel positioned at every hole to ensure a quick response to any heat-related issues.

Attendees were encouraged to come prepared for the hot and humid weather.

Officials recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and an umbrella for shade or potential storms.

Several “hydration stations” were available on the course for free water refills.

Officials urged attendees to stay hydrated, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and take advantage of shaded areas throughout the course.

As for the play on the course, a surprising name was near the top of the leaderboard.

Austin Eckroat surged to the pole position, shooting a career-best 62 on the day. He ended the day at -8.

“I felt like a week was coming and it was all gonna click. I just needed just one round and I was gonna be good it hadn’t happened yet but it was great to show myself that I could still do it,” he said.

He is two shots ahead of Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, who shot a steady -6 under 64. He is a three-way tie with former tournament winner Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark.

“Yeah overall it’s a good start to the tournament. I think when you’re in a two ball like that and you can feed off one another a little bit that’s nice as well,” said McIlroy.

“It was great. I uh got off to a funny start I wasn’t hitting my irons well. Then settled in there and played really solid from there on in,” said Bradley.

Scottie Scheffler, one of most dominant golfers of the year so far, was able to tie Eckroat for the lead at -8.

Before heading to Cromwell, take a look at the 2025 Travelers Championship fan guide here.

For more on the weather, read the technical discussion from Channel 3’s meteorologists here.