GOLF DFS TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026: TOP PICKS, VALUES & FADES ON DRAFTKINGS

COURSE OVERVIEW

TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut is one of the most player-friendly venues on the PGA TOUR calendar, and that reputation makes lineup construction both exciting and treacherous. The par-70 layout stretches just under 6,900 yards, rewarding precision iron play and elite ball-striking over raw power. The Bermuda-grass greens are receptive but demand clean approach shots, making strokes gained: approach (SGA) the single most predictive stat for success here. The course also features a reachable par-5 closing stretch that separates birdie-makers from the pack. Wind off the Connecticut River can factor in, but more often than not this sets up as a low-scoring shootout where 20-under par or better wins the week. Target players who rank highly in greens in regulation, proximity from 125–175 yards, and birdie or better percentage.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Xander Schauffele — $11,800

Schauffele is the quintessential River Highlands fit. His iron precision and ability to sustain birdie runs make him a near-must-play at the top of the salary range. He's finished inside the top 12 in four of his last six appearances at this event and leads the field in SGA over his last 20 rounds. Expect high chalk here, but his floor justifies the price.

*Ownership projection: High (28–35%)*

Russell Henley — $9,400

Henley is quietly one of the best fits for this course on tour. His compact, controlled ball flight plays perfectly on a layout that doesn't punish short hitters but rewards accuracy. He's posted multiple top-20s here and has been trending upward with elite approach numbers over the past six weeks.

*Ownership projection: Mid (14–19%)*

Tom Kim — $9,100

At just 23 years old, Tom Kim has developed into a legitimate birdie machine, which is exactly what this venue demands. His aggressive approach tendencies and elite putting on Bermuda set him apart at this price tier. In low-scoring environments, Kim thrives. A sneaky mid-range pivot with upside for 25-plus fantasy points.

*Ownership projection: Mid (12–17%)*

Keegan Bradley — $7,800

The hometown crowd favorite and a player who has historically elevated his game at this event. Bradley's local knowledge and comfort with the layout give him a consistent edge. At this price, he offers a strong risk-reward ratio and could serve as a differentiated play in larger-field tournaments.

*Ownership projection: Low-Mid (8–12%)*

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VALUE PLAYS

Davis Thompson — $7,400

Thompson has been quietly putting together strong approach stats this season and fits the River Highlands profile well. At $7,400, he frees up salary for premium plays while carrying real upside in a birdie-fest format.

Austin Eckroat — $7,100

Eckroat is trending in the right direction with three consecutive made cuts and improved proximity numbers. He's a low-owned tournament play with the ceiling to outperform his salary in the right conditions.

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FADES

Rory McIlroy — $12,200

Rory's power game is somewhat neutralized at River Highlands, and his recent form has been inconsistent. At the highest salary on the board, his ownership will be massive — making him a liability in GPP formats where differentiation wins.

Ludvig Åberg — $10,700

Åberg's long-game dominance is less of an advantage here, and his limited course history at TPC River Highlands gives us pause. He's a fading candidate despite likely chalk-level ownership projections.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

In a birdie-heavy environment like TPC River Highlands, GPP lineups should prioritize approach excellence over everything else. Build around one or two premium plays — Schauffele is worth paying up for — then stack mid-tier birdie makers like Henley and Kim to maintain upside. Use one value slot on Thompson or Eckroat to create salary flexibility. Avoid stacking too many high-owned names in the same lineup; the winning tournament