The first round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands is shaping up to be a perfect Thursday outing for Connecticut golf fans—and a surprisingly great one for families. With some of the most exciting players in the world set to tee off in the early afternoon, there’s no better place to spend a June day in Connecticut. The course layout is compact and walkable, the tournament is incredibly well-run, and there are a host of activities that make it welcoming for kids. From autographs and player-watching to shady lawn seating and misting stations, here’s the full game plan for enjoying Thursday’s action with your kids in tow.
Once parked at Rentschler Field in East Hartford (the main general parking site), spectators can hop a free, air-conditioned shuttle directly to the main entrance of the course. The system runs smoothly and is stroller-friendly. From there, the first stop is the Fan Zone near Hole 1. This space is perfect for families arriving early—it includes mini golf, face painting, interactive games, shaded seating, and a water station nearby. It’s also a great place to regroup later in the day.
After a quick stop at the Fan Zone, it’s worth walking over to the Practice Area, which includes the driving range and putting green. This is where kids can get a close look at the players—and potentially a few autographs. The best time to catch signatures is 45–60 minutes before tee times, while players are warming up. The three players we’ll be watching most closely are Akshay Bhatia, Collin Morikawa, and Scottie Scheffler, all teeing off between 12:45 and 1:45 PM. Each brings not only incredible talent, but also an inspiring story rooted in junior golf that’s great for kids to hear about.
Players to Watch
- Akshay Bhatia (Tee Time: 12:45 PM | Best autograph time: 11:45 AM at Practice Area) – A left-handed phenom from California, Bhatia was homeschooled to pursue golf full time. He won the AJGA Player of the Year, starred on the U.S. Junior Presidents Cup team, and turned pro at 17. Now just 22, he plays with flair and confidence, and he connects naturally with younger fans. He’s known for signing autographs and chatting with spectators before his rounds.
- Collin Morikawa (Tee Time: 1:35 PM | Best autograph time: 12:30 PM at Practice Area) – Morikawa’s textbook swing and quiet focus make him a favorite of swing coaches and young golfers alike. A standout junior player in Southern California, he dominated at Cal-Berkeley before turning pro and quickly winning two majors. He’s precise, poised, and one of the best iron players on Tour—watching him up close is a master class in tempo and control.
- Scottie Scheffler (Tee Time: 1:45 PM | Best autograph time: 12:45 PM at Practice Area) – The World No. 1 and reigning Masters champion, Scheffler brings elite performance with an everyman energy. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2013, played at the University of Texas, and worked his way up through the Korn Ferry Tour. His quirky footwork and calm demeanor make him fun to watch and a great role model for young golf fans.
Best Place to Watch with Kids (and See Great Golf)
The stretch between the 15th green and 16th tee is one of the best places on the course to set up for the afternoon. There’s a wide, grassy area with space to relax, some natural shade in the early afternoon, and close proximity to concessions and bathrooms. Most importantly, the golf here is phenomenal.
We recommend arriving at 15 green by 1:15 PM, just before Akshay Bhatia arrives. Set up folding chairs along the rope line on the right side of the green, where there is a slight rise in elevation and better views of both the landing area and putting surface. From there, you can easily pivot a few yards to watch tee shots on 16, a short par 3 over water. There are also misting fans and a concession tent behind 15 green if you need to cool down or grab snacks.
Hole 15 is a driveable par 4 that creates tension on every tee shot. Longer hitters may choose to go for the green with a driver or 3-wood, but the penalty for missing long or right is severe, with deep rough and a tightly guarded green complex. Others lay back with an iron or hybrid off the tee and try to spin a wedge into a narrow, well-contoured green from 90 to 110 yards out. You’ll see players debating club choice and visualizing different ball flights. Watching how they position themselves for the best angle into the pin—or recover from a bailout right or short bunker—gives kids a great sense of how pros manage risk and scoring opportunity.
Hole 16 is a short par 3 over water with a narrow, elevated green and tucked pins. It’s strategic and punishing, and every group brings a fresh decision-making story. This is where you can explain course design and strategy to kids without them getting bored, and the sightlines make for excellent viewing even while sitting on the ground.
Family-Friendly Itinerary for Thursday
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Depart for TPC River Highlands |
| 9:30 AM | Park at Rentschler Field and take shuttle to course |
| 10:00 AM | Arrive at Main Gate; visit Fan Zone near Hole 1 |
| 11:15 AM | Walk to Practice Area |
| 11:45 AM | Try to catch Akshay Bhatia for autograph before his tee time |
| 12:30 PM | Watch Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler warm up |
| 1:15 PM | Set up folding chairs at 15 green, just right of the green complex |
| 1:45–3:00 PM | Watch the final groups; snack break; reapply sunscreen |
| 3:15 PM | Optional: explore Hole 18 or return to Fan Zone |
| 4:00 PM | Shuttle back to parking before the final wave of crowds |
TPC River Highlands is a rare PGA Tour venue that feels manageable with kids. The course is compact, the paths are well-marked, and the staff and volunteers do a great job making the experience smooth. Between the shaded seating, hydration stations, and engaging layout, families can genuinely enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re thinking about bringing your kids out this Thursday, now’s the time. With big names, beautiful weather, and one of the most walkable courses in professional golf, the Travelers Championship continues to be Connecticut’s best summer sports experience—for golfers of all ages.
David is an avid golfer who loves walking Connecticut’s courses and playing alongside his family. He’s passionate about golf course architecture and one day hopes to play at Pebble Beach.
