CROMWELL, Conn. — Play at the end of regulation was disrupted as protesters stormed the group of Scottie Scheffler, Tom Kim and Akshay Bhatia at the 18th hole at the Travelers Championship Sunday.
With Scheffler needing to make his birdie putt to win and Kim both his own make and a Scheffler miss to force a playoff, five individuals emerged from the crowd surrounding the 18th green at TPC River Highlands. The individuals had cans with green and red smoke, which left residue on the green, with one of the individuals running into the greenside bunker. In total five people ran onto the playing surface.
The group appeared to be environmental protesters, with four of the individuals wearing white shirts with the message, “No golf on a dead planet.” Police officers captured and escorted the individuals off the green, putting them into the back of cruisers.
The ensuing mess led to a delay as PGA Tour and course officials worked to get the green in proper shape. The crowd cheered the officers and the maintenance staff, serenading both crews with chants of, “USA! USA! USA!”
After a short pause, Scheffler missed his birdie attempt and Kim made his, forcing sudden death between the two.
Because of the mess on the 18th, officials cut a new pin position, away from the area where spray paint remained and where the individuals had trampled on.
This story will continue to be updated.