Sports

Rain Doesn't Dampen Enthusiasm At Travelers Celebrity Pro-Am [PHOTOS]

The annual mix of sports stars, entertainers and the world's best golfers took place Wednesday to kick off the Travelers Championship.

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Rory McIlroy, winner of four major tournaments and the No. 2 ranked golfer in the world, signs an autograph for 9-year-old Jack Howe.
Rory McIlroy, winner of four major tournaments and the No. 2 ranked golfer in the world, signs an autograph for 9-year-old Jack Howe. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

CROMWELL, CT — Travelers Insurance has long been symbolized by its trademark red umbrella, and those were out in full force on a rainy day at the TPC River Highlands Wednesday, as the Travelers Championship kicked off with its annual Celebrity Pro-Am.

Sports stars like Andre Tippett, Doug Flutie and Tim Wakefield teed off alongside some of the PGA Tour's finest professional golfers, including reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and 4-time major winner Rory McIlroy. Those two currently hold first and second place, respectively, in the official World Golf Rankings.

Legendary comic actor Bill Murray had been slated to play, but had to withdraw after becoming ill, according to a tournament official.

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The Travelers Championship begins Thursday, with 156 players taking aim at a first prize of $1.494 million from a total purse of $8.3 million. Harris English is the defending champion.

Defending champion Harris English (in blue) with two of his amateur partners.
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, is currently the top-ranked golfer in the world.
Award-winning sportscaster Chris Berman watches 2-time tournament winner Stewart Cink's birdie attempt on hole 3.
Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie.
Actor Christopher Jackson played George Washington in the original cast of “Hamilton” on Broadway.
Javier Colon was the winner in the inaugural season of "The Voice."
20 years after chairing the 2002 tournament, won by Phil Mickelson, former Enfield Mayor Scott Kaupin returned to his customary role: announcing the players at the first tee.

Photos: Tim Jensen/Patch

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