In this June 24, 2018 photo, Bubba Watson watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament in Cromwell, Conn. Watson will tee off Thursday, July 5, 2018 at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. The tournament is formerly known as The Greenbrier Classic. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) (Photo: The Associated Press)
Decisions by most of the world's elite golfers to skip the PGA Tour's stop in West Virginia have been a boost for younger players like Xander Schauffele.
Schauffele had a one-stroke victory over Robert Streb at The Greenbrier resort last season, which ended with the 24-year-old from San Diego winning the Tour Championship and earning Rookie of the Year honors.
This year, nearly all of the two dozen rookies on the tour are in the field at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, which starts Thursday on the Old White TPC in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Four of the tournament's seven champions have been first-time winners, including three rookies.
Five players ranked in the top 30 in the world are entered, including Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson.
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