Defending champion Bubba Watson's emotional ties to the Travelers Championship mean he was never going to skip this week to give himself a break before the Olympics.
The big-hitting left-hander is due to represent the United States in Brazil next week as golf returns to the summer Games.
But it was not just the thought of defending his title, which he won for a second time last year, which brought him back to TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.
"Winning the Travelers Championship for myself is very important because of my dad," he told a press conference.
"In 2010 my dad passed away three months after the event so it's the only win he got to see me.
"Travelers has been a big supporter of my family and helped over the years.
"When my dad passed away they were the first people there to help me and support me and see how my mom needed help so Travelers means a lot to me not just because of the golf and because the checks clear but because of the other stuff, too."
Watson sits just outside the automatic qualification places for the United States Ryder Cup team but he hopes a good week at the Travelers followed by a decent showing at the Olympics will boost his chances.
"I don't want to go off a pick. I'll take a pick all day long but it's better to set yourself on that team than rely on a pick," he added.
"I figure a gold medal will help, though. Even though it doesn't count (towards Ryder Cup points), it'll still count."
Patrick Reed is one place behind Watson in the race to be part of Davis Love's team so is in a similar position.
He is also part of the four-man American delegation heading to Rio after the tournament and he feels he is coming into some form as he searches for his first win since January 2015.
"My game I feel like is trending in the right direction," said the 25-year-old, who has registered nine top-10 finishes this year.
"There are a lot of good things I've been doing, especially on consistency.
"This year has shown that with having the most top 10s I've had in a season.
"The main thing for me is keep moving forward. My time will come. I just need to keep improving every aspect of the game, and hopefully I'll be in the winners' circle."
Source: PA
