Chris DeJohn Eyes a Third Title as the Walter J. Travis Invitational Returns to Garden City

The Walter J. Travis Invitational returns in 2026 as one of the most prestigious and unique tests in mid-amateur golf, once again hosted at the iconic Garden City Golf Club in Garden City, New York. Designed by Devereux Emmet in 1897 and later redesigned by its namesake Walter Travis — who made it his home course — Garden City is steeped in history, having hosted the 1902 U.S. Open and earned a reputation as one of the finest examples of golden-age golf architecture on Long Island. Known for its firm conditions, strategic bunkering, and emphasis on creativity, Garden City provides a classic match-play stage where patience and precision are paramount.

The format itself is what sets the Travis apart from most mid-amateur events. A blend of stroke-play qualifying followed by match play consistently delivers drama, rewarding players who can adapt quickly and elevate their game under pressure. It’s a test that demands versatility — qualifying requires steady, disciplined golf, while the match-play bracket rewards aggression, nerve, and the ability to handle momentum swings. At a course that plays to par 73 across nearly 6,900 yards with a slope of 141, there’s no room to coast through any round.

All eyes will be on Chris DeJohn, who captured the title in dominant fashion last year with a 4 & 3 victory over John Hunter in the final. A past champion in 2023 as well, DeJohn has firmly established himself as one of the most consistent and dangerous players in the field, particularly in match play where his steady, grinding style thrives. With a strong amateur résumé that includes elite-level victories and deep runs in major events, he enters 2026 as the player to beat — chasing a third Travis title that would further cement his standing in the event’s history.

But as history has shown at Garden City, no lead is ever safe and no match is routine. The past winners list is filled with one-time champions who caught fire at the right moment, and the match-play format always leaves room for an upset. midamgolfHQ will be tracking the action as one of golf’s most revered tournaments — amateur or pro — sets the stage for another compelling week on Long Island.