Rory McIlroy Names His ‘Arch Nemesis’ As He Eyes Victory at the $20,000,000 PGA Tour Event 

After the US Open drew to a stirring end in Los Angeles, the who’s who of men’s golf ascended upon Cromwell, Connecticut, for the 2023 Travelers Championship. An “elevated” event on this year’s PGA Tour schedule, the tournament boasts an extremely stacked field of 156 players!

Among the competing golfers is World No. 3 Rory McIlroy, who is returning to action after his second-place finish at the LACC last Sunday. Before teeing it up on Thursday, tournament regular McIlroy shed light on his own history at the TPC River Highlands. He further revealed the things he likes and dislikes about the PGAT event!

Rory McIlroy highlights his arch-enemy at the Travelers Championship

One of the more popular events on the PGA Tour, the Travelers Championship, boasts a long and storied history. The TPC River Highlands, which has served as the event venue since 1984, has seen the likes of Phil Mickelson, Xander Schauffele, Dustin Johnson, and several other big-name golfers claim the prestigious title over the years.

This year, 4-time major winner Rory McIlroy is hoping to add his name to the roster of winners as well. Ahead of his 5th start at the event, the golfer expressed that the atmosphere in Cromwell was extremely enjoyable to play in. In a clip shared on Twitter by @TravelersChamp, the 34-year-old also revealed the holes he liked and the ones he hated playing during the tournament.

So, which one does he dislike the most? “12 is my arch nemesis,” confessed McIlroy about the 411-yard par-4 hole. “Never played that hole well.” The golfer has recorded top-20 finishes in his last four appearances at the Travelers Championship, with his T11 finish at the 2020 edition being his best one to date.

McIlroy also hilariously named holes 15 through 18, which are considered four of the most thrilling finishing holes in golf. “15 would be shorty, 16 would be tricky, 17 would be intimidating, and 18 would be ultimate,” he said. Later in the day, the first round of the Travelers Championship turned out to be a memorable one for the golfer, as he recorded the first-ever hole-in-one of his PGAT career.

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McIlroy cards his first-ever hole-in-one

From multiple victories on the PGA Tour to iconic major wins, Rory McIlroy has accomplished several stunning feats in his illustrious career. But the elusive hole-in-one always seemed to evade the golfer. However, that all changed on Thursday.

During the opening round, the golfer stepped up to the 214-yard, par-3 eighth with his five-iron. The ball then hit the meat of the green with a slight hop and rolled straight toward the pin. The first-ever ace of McIlroy’s career, it was also the highlight of a rather mixed round for the player.

The PGA Tour’s Denny McCarthy is seated at the top of the leaderboard after he shot a 60, the lowest of his career. Two shots behind him in second place are golfers Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley.

Being a designated event, the Travelers Championship boasts a $20,000,000 purse, out of which the eventual winner will walk away with a jaw-dropping $3,600,000 in earnings!

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How do you think Rory McIlroy will fare at the Travelers Championship? Which player are you rooting for to win the event? Tell us in the comments!