2025 Travelers Championship Trends: Highest PGA Ticket and Handle Percentages

The Travelers Championship returns to TPC River Highlands with a loaded field and plenty of betting action. From chalk favorites like Scottie Scheffler to sharp-money plays on rising contenders, this week’s tournament offers valuable insight into where the public and books are leaning. Here’s a look at the latest tournament winner betting trends, handle percentages, and biggest liabilities at BetMGM heading into one of the PGA Tour’s premier summer stops.

Travelers Championship Course Breakdown: Navigating TPC River Highlands

Nestled in Cromwell, Connecticut, TPC River Highlands may not intimidate with length—measuring just 6,852 yards—but it presents a stern test in other ways. The par-70 layout is defined by its tight 30-yard-wide fairways and mature, tree-lined corridors that leave little margin for directional error. While water only comes into play on a handful of holes, thick rough and cleverly positioned bunkers stand ready to penalize missed targets.

The greens, a mix of Bentgrass and Poa annua, average around 5,000 square feet and typically run slick at around 12 on the stimpmeter, requiring a confident putting stroke and precise touch on approach. With almost no elevation changes to offer visual cues, players must rely on elite control and savvy course management. This week at the Travelers Championship, success will hinge on those who can consistently shape their irons, scramble effectively, and maintain precision in the face of subtle yet relentless course demands.

Scottie Scheffler: The World No. 1 and Defending Champ

Scottie Scheffler enters this week’s Travelers Championship as the heavy favorite—and with good reason. The world’s top-ranked golfer has been on a tear in 2025, winning three of his last five starts and racking up 10 top-10 finishes while making the cut in all 13 events he’s played. Scheffler claimed victory at TPC River Highlands last year and is primed for a repeat. Statistically, he’s a juggernaut: second in strokes gained off the tee (+0.704), first in SG: Approach the Green (+1.362), and tops in proximity to the hole. He also ranks second in scrambling, showcasing his elite all-around game.

This kind of statistical dominance—especially in approach play and short-game resilience—is exactly what bettors look for in a championship-caliber player. With the highest ticket (8.9%) and handle (13.7%) percentages in the field, the betting public is showing strong confidence in Scheffler to defend his title.

Viktor Hovland: Momentum and History Collide

Viktor Hovland comes into the Travelers on a wave of momentum after a strong third-place finish at the U.S. Open. Earlier this season, he notched a win at the Valspar Championship, and he’s been quietly consistent, making the cut in all four of his previous appearances at TPC River Highlands. Statistically, Hovland thrives on precision—he ranks sixth in SG: Approach to Green (+0.748), 13th from inside 200 yards, and 15th in proximity.

These are all key traits at a layout like River Highlands, where pinpoint iron play sets the stage for scoring. With the second-highest ticket share (6.7%) and landing among the biggest liabilities at BetMGM, Hovland is a sharp betting target for those looking to ride a hot hand with elite iron control.

Sam Burns: Red-Hot Putts and Rising Stocks

Sam Burns is peaking at the perfect time, notching back-to-back top 10 finishes at the RBC Canadian Open and U.S. Open. What’s fueling this rise? His flatstick. Burns leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained: putting, averaging a blazing +1.034. On a course like TPC River Highlands—where Par 4 scoring separates contenders—Burns’ average of 3.99 per Par 4 (ranked 17th) stands out.

Burns is attracting significant betting interest (5.1% of tickets) and is among the top sportsbook liabilities, thanks to his elite putting and recent form. If he keeps the momentum going, he’s a sleeper pick with serious win equity.

Collin Morikawa: Laser Accuracy from Tee to Green

If consistency and ball-striking win championships, Collin Morikawa could be on the brink. The world No. 4 ranks fourth in total strokes gained and boasts one of the most accurate drivers on Tour, hitting 72.42% of fairways. His precision continues into his approach game, where he’s fourth in SG: Approach and 12th off the tee. His putting is solid, too, averaging 1.728 strokes per hole (21st), and he’s scored an average of four strokes on Par 4s this season (29th).

Morikawa also has course history—he finished 13th at the Travelers last year with three rounds of 66 or better before Sunday. With 12.8% of the total handle behind him, Morikawa is a quiet favorite for bettors who value elite ball control and upside.

Cameron Young: Big Hitter with Sneaky Value

Cameron Young remains one of the most dangerous long shots in the field. With four top 10s and seven top 25s this season, his consistency is rising. Young tied for ninth at last year’s Travelers and returns to a course that rewards his distance and putting. He ranks 10th in strokes gained: putting (+0.551), 15th in one-putt percentage (43.57%), and averages 311.4 yards off the tee—21st on Tour.

This power-plus-putting combo makes Young an intriguing value pick. He holds the third-highest handle percentage (11.7%) and is among the top sportsbook liabilities, suggesting bettors are willing to back his blend of length and finesse.

Betting Trends Overview: Where the Smart Money Is

The betting trends heading into the Travelers Championship show a field loaded with public interest and sharp money converging on a handful of contenders. Scottie Scheffler leads in both ticket (8.9%) and handle (13.7%) share, while Collin Morikawa (12.8% handle) and Cameron Young (11.7% handle) also garner significant support. Hovland and Burns round out the top three in ticket percentage, making them popular choices among recreational bettors and sharps alike.

Sportsbooks are sweating bets on Hovland, Young, and Burns—each among the biggest liabilities due to rising momentum and favorable course fits. Whether you’re backing the favorite or eyeing value down the board, TPC River Highlands offers a ripe setup for elite approach play and putting performance to shine.

Travelers Championship Betting Insights: Tournament Winner

Highest Ticket%

• Scottie Scheffler 8.9%
• Viktor Hovland 6.7%
• Sam Burns 5.1%

Highest Handle%

• Scottie Scheffler 13.7%
• Collin Morikawa 12.8%
• Cameron Young 11.7%

Biggest Liabilities

• Viktor Hovland
• Cameron Young
• Sam Burns

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