Minnesota’s 3M Open welcomes back former Gophers and PGA Tour players
Tournament Preview at TPC Twin Cities
The 3M Open is set to host a field of accomplished golfers, including former University of Minnesota players, at TPC Twin Cities. The tournament, which begins on Thursday, will see players navigate a course known for its fair yet challenging conditions. The par 71 course stretches 7,431 yards and features three par 5s, making it welcoming for long hitters who can avoid the 3½-inch bluegrass rough.
For other players, the course offers solace in its proximity to the PGA TOUR’s average in driving distance. The bentgrass greens, which average 6,500 square feet and are prepared to roll up to 13 feet as measured by the Stimpmeter, are expected to act as an equalizer, promoting aggressive play and putting. Last year’s scoring average of 68.84 was a tournament record, largely attributed to calm wind conditions, which are again forecast for much of this week.
Key Players and Course History
Among the notable participants is Erik Van Rooyen, a former University of Minnesota golfer and two-time PGA Tour winner. Van Rooyen expressed a desire to improve his performance at the event, noting that his past results at his former stomping grounds have not met his expectations. He aims to turn his performance around this year, drawing on positive memories from the course.
Tony Finau, the 2022 3M Open champion, is also returning. He participates annually, partly due to his winning history and partly because the tournament serves as a family reunion, with many cousins and an uncle residing in the Minneapolis area. Finau, who has not won since 2023, is looking to regain his form and hopes the familiar surroundings will help him bring back his past success.
Major champion Jason Day has also made his way back to Minnesota. Day voiced his preference for the older schedule model of the PGA Tour, which at one point featured 49 events, allowing players more flexibility. He expressed concern about the future of the 3M Open, which might be relegated to the PGA Tour’s new challenger series in two years, hoping it remains on the calendar due to its popularity among players and local fans.
Scheffler’s Debut and Tournament Dynamics
Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer, is making his debut at the 3M Open this week. His participation highlights a significant gap in the standings between him and the next-ranked golfer in Blaine, Minnesota, Gary Woodland, who is 29th in the FedExCup. This difference is substantial, with Scheffler positioned 31 spots ahead of defending champion Kurt Kitayama.
Scheffler has accumulated 20 wins on the PGA TOUR, but only one of these victories occurred in his initial appearance at a tournament, specifically the 2025 Procore Championship. The only debutant to win the 3M Open was Matthew Wolff in its inaugural edition in 2019. Since then, every winner has had at least one prior start at TPC Twin Cities before securing a victory. This detail is relevant for the approximately 110 entrants who possess course history and are preparing for the eighth edition of the tournament.
The weather forecast for the week includes calm air, similar to conditions that contributed to last year’s record-low scoring average. Prevailing breezes are expected to come from westerly directions early in the tournament, potentially shifting to the north by Sunday. Daytime temperatures are projected to be in the mid-80s before the cut, rising into the mid-90s by the final day.
The tournament presents a consistent test where players are largely responsible for their own performance. The course’s design encourages an offensive approach, rewarding those who attack pins and sink putts. The 3M Open is set to begin on Thursday.
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Source: pgatour.com
