Scene and heard

Greetings from the Travelers Championship, although most people here still refer to it as the GHO, from its days as the Greater Hartford Open. Unlike last week at the US Open, when umbrellas and rain pants were essential accessories, it's a pleasant day, overcast but dry.

Scores are low, with Paul Goydos and Charles Warren the leaders in the clubhouse at 7 under 63. Kenny Perry is making the most noise, though; the 48-year-old shot 29 on the front nine, has added a birdie on the 10th hole, and just missed a short birdie try on No. 11. That puts him 7 under par through 11 holes, on course-record pace (four players share it at 9 under 61) and, quite possibly, flirting with golf's most sacred of numbers. He needs to play the final seven holes in 4 under to shoot 59.

A few observations from the first round at TPC River Highlands ...

Kirk Triplett shot 69, but it easily could have been one less. His birdie attempt on the par-3 fifth was headed straight for the hole, but then hit a small pebble, bounced in the air, and slid left of the hole. Triplett picked up the offending pebble, smiling, and flicked it off the green.

Like many amateurs, Scott McCarron opted for the putter on the first green, even though his ball was a good 6 feet off the green and on the fringe. And like many amateurs, McCarron left the putt from the fringe well short, at least 7 feet. He missed the putt for par, as well.