CROMWELL, Conn. — If anyone wondered whether the Travelers Championship would immediately allow the game's best players to revert to their birdie-making ways after last week's grindfest at Shinnecock Hills, Thursday provided a quick answer.
Eric Cole led the way with a bogey-free, 7-under 63 to take the overnight lead, but six other players finished one shot back at 64, with another six openingwith 65. By day's end, 15 players were 4 under par or better. The leaderboard has so many circles and 3's on it you might think it was stolen from Sesame Street.
That's hardly unusual at TPC River Highlands. The tournament has built its identity around low scoring and packed leaderboards, and the opening round suggested this year's edition could be another four-day shootout. With soft conditions from recent rain, receptive greens and little wind for much of the day, players took advantage whenever opportunities presented themselves.
There was no shortage of storylines beyond the scores, either. Matt Fitzpatrick continued his torrid season, Scottie Scheffler accomplished his goal of getting near the top of the leaderboard early and Ben Griffin rode a hot putter into contention.
Here are five things that stood out from the opening round.