Travelers Championship: Six Pivotal Holes at TPC River Highlands

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

The TPC River Highlands measures only 6,844 yards.  The opportunity to post very low numbers exists on this course. 

The most dramatic stretch of the course is the 15th through the 17th hole, playing around a lake.  Players can make or break a round down the stretch. 

Additional holes that are key are the fourth and 10th, both long par 4's.  The 13th hole is a reachable Par 5 where crucial strokes will be at stake.

Fourth Hole: Par 4, 481 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

The long par 4 is a dog leg to the right.  It is crucial to hit an accurate drive.  Long hitters will have to deal with a bunker on the left, while the shorter shots have bunkers on the right. 

It will be difficult to manage a par if you run into trouble off the tee.  The green slopes from back to front significantly.  The second shot must be to the correct portion of the green.

10th Hole: Par 4, 462 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

Another long Par 4 where two good shots are needed.  The drive has to contend with a narrow fairway that has trees on the left side. 

The green is elevated and is difficult to hit.  Shots to the left and right are deflected off the surface.  Scrambling might be pivotal to save par on this hole.

13th Hole: Par 5, 523 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

This hole is easily reachable in two for an eagle chance.  However there is trouble lurking all around.  The right side is flanked by water and a pushed tee shot will find a watery grave.

The green has water in front, so the second shot cannot be short. 

Trouble can be avoided on this hole by laying up, but with scores expected to be low chances may need to be taken.  This is very much a risk-reward hole, expect to see some eagles along with some bogeys.

15th Hole: Par 4, 296 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

At only 296 yards, the green is easily reachable for many in the field.  However  the green is elevated and a ridge runs through the middle. 

Missing the green will lead to a tough shot.  Hitting the wrong section of the green makes a three-putt very possible.  Like the 13th, this is another risk-reward hole.

16th Hole: Par 3, 171 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

Trouble lurks all around the green.  The shot over the lake must clear the false front to avoid the hazard.  Any shot that is hit over the green or to the left or right will likely end up in a bunker. 

While only a short iron will be needed, the hole is visually intimidating and will test nerves down the stretch.

17th Hole: Par 4, 420 Yards

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

The hole cuts at almost a 90-degree angle.  This makes the lake come into play on both shots.  It guards the right side off the tee and the front of the green. 

Players who go left off the tee bring bunkers and mounds into play.  Longer hitters face a fairway that pinches past the bunkers. 

The second shot is visually intimidating with the lake and large gallery in view.