In an unexpected turn of events, the final round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands was interrupted by a group of six climate protesters on Sunday. As Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim prepared to decide the championship on the 18th green, chaos ensued as the protesters stormed the course.

The disturbance occurred when the group of protesters ran down from the hill, carrying red and white smoke canisters, and entered the greenside bunkers. Quickly pursued by the police, the first protester was apprehended just outside the bunker. Two canisters were thrown onto the green, leaving behind a red and white residue before the remaining protesters were detained and escorted away in handcuffs.

Wearing shirts that read "No golf on a dead planet," four of the protesters made their message about climate change clear. Despite the disruption, the PGA Tour commended the swift reaction of law enforcement and emphasized that the green suffered no damage.

The interruption took a toll on the concentration and mindset of the golfers. Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, missed his birdie putt due to the distraction caused by the red substance on his line of sight, ultimately finishing with a par. Kim, on the other hand, managed to make a birdie from a distance of 10 feet to force a playoff.

Reflecting on the disruption, Kim described how the incident momentarily diverted his focus from the game. He mentioned feeling like it was a dream, witnessing security guards tackling people and arrests being made. The unexpected turn of events left him momentarily disoriented, taking away from the intensity of the moment.

Despite the disruption, Scheffler and Kim maintained composure and supported each other during the uncertainty. They expressed gratitude for the quick response and organization of the police in resolving the situation. Scheffler acknowledged the confusion brought on by the incident but was appreciative of the efficiency with which the authorities handled the situation.

Following the playoff hole, Scheffler emerged as the victor of the Travelers Championship, securing a win after making par in the replay of the 18th hole. Finishing at 22-under par, his victory was a testament to his skill and resilience in navigating the unexpected circumstances.

The protest was met with prompt action from the Cromwell Police Department. The six individuals involved were identified as Mark Graham, Jeffrey Marsar, Sayak Mukhopadhyay, William Regan, Emily Smith, and Lydia Wooley. They have all been charged with first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass, and breach of peace. Each was released on a $5,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on July 1.

While the protest temporarily disrupted the Travelers Championship, the resilience and sportsmanship displayed by the players, along with the efficient response of the police, allowed the tournament to proceed and reach a satisfying conclusion.