Environmental protestors stormed the green at the Travelers Championship just as Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim were about to finish their final round in Connecticut, putting a chaotic pause to the action.
Five demonstrators carrying flares rushed onto the green during the Travelers Championship while Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim were preparing to putt. Law enforcement promptly intervened, apprehending the demonstrators in the midst of the resulting commotion.
With a mere one-stroke advantage, Scheffler anxiously observed as the demonstrators evaded security and headed straight for the green, releasing green smoke into the air just as he and Kim were preparing to putt. Security officials grappled with them amidst the chaos.
While being apprehended, additional protesters let out red smoke while being subdued by law enforcement. Within minutes, all the demonstrators were in restraints and taken away by security, amidst a chorus of “USA!” chants and some disapproving jeers from spectators.
It is worth noting that the protesters did not disturb any golf balls or markers, allowing the game to resume promptly. Scheffler and Kim quickly returned to their game after the disruption, with Scheffler expressing his amusement by nodding and smiling wryly as he watched the protesters being taken away just a few yards away.
Beside him, Kim was left speechless and could only shake his head in disbelief at the extraordinary scene. Once they recovered from the initial shock, the duo regrouped and exchanged a smile as they reached for their clubs, ready to continue playing.
Protesters were seen at TPC River Highlands, wearing shirts that read: “No golf on a dying planet.” They faced jeers as they were removed from the premises by law enforcement and security staff.
This incident represents the second disturbance within a 48-hour period at the location. Play was suspended on Saturday because of dangerous weather conditions. Additionally, two onlookers were taken to the hospital following a lightning strike on a tree nearby. Another person who was in the vicinity of the incident refused medical assistance.
During the protest, Kim was one stroke behind Scheffler, with a score of -21, while the world’s top-ranked player was at -22. Despite the disturbance, Kim skillfully sank his putt, which was only a few feet away from a red mark left by the protestors.
Subsequently, the game advanced to a playoff, where Scheffler secured the victory at TPC River Highlands. This triumph signifies his sixth PGA Tour win of the year and the 12th of his professional career.
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