3M Open Returns to Minnesota with Scottie Scheffler as Headliner

Tournament Details and Prize Pool

The PGA Tour lands in Minnesota for the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities this week, carrying an $8.8 million purse. The event marks the tour’s stateside comeback after a stretch of overseas stops. TPC Twin Cities will host the field of elite golfers for four days of competition. The prize money reflects the tour’s continued investment in major tournaments across the United States.

Defending Champion and Field Overview

Kurt Kitayama enters as the defending champion, looking to repeat on home soil. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, described as the top attraction for fans and analysts alike. Young talent Jackson Koivun, Ben James and Gordon Sargent also tee up, each carrying strong momentum from the summer season. The mix of seasoned winners and rising stars creates a deep, competitive lineup.

Scheffler’s Season Statistics

Scheffler has not tasted victory since January, but he aims for his second win of 2026 at the 3M Open. He boasts 10 top‑5 finishes (including ties) this year, a mark that underscores his consistency. The data positions him as the clear favorite on the odds board. Even with recent struggles, his resume still commands attention from bettors and fans.

Key Contenders and Their Form

Joon‑In “Im” (2022 runner‑up) leads the tour in approach shots under 100 yards this year and ranks 14th in shots gained around the green. His ability to get close and make putts makes him a threat in mid‑range markets. Smith has posted a T‑21 at the Scottish Open and a T‑18 at The Open, highlighting his recent surge. He has also recorded a T‑15 at the WM Phoenix Open and solo third at Valspar, showing adaptability across event types.

Stevens enjoyed solo second place at the same venue a year ago and remains a steady presence with seven T‑25 finishes and 17‑out‑of‑21 cuts made. A pair of missed cuts abroad last week give him a rested advantage as most of the field played overseas. His experience on the course and recent break could position him well for a strong run.

Recent Tour Wins and Rested Players

Stefano Mazzoli clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship, overcoming a four‑shot deficit with a final‑round 6‑under 66 on Sunday. His comeback performance highlights the high‑stakes nature of the tour’s final events. Steven Fisk, the ISCO Championship winner, took a week off after his playoff triumph in Louisville and has only two rounds in the 70s since a missed cut at Aronimink. Both players are fresh and could surprise in the betting markets.

First‑Round Leader Booms

Tom Kim (+4500) arrives fresh after a surprising missed cut at Royal Birkdale but earned a victory a week earlier at the Scottish Open. His recent form suggests he could climb the leaderboard early, despite a modest history at TPC Twin Cities (T‑28 last year, T‑26 in 2022). Doug Ghim (+5900) also benefits from a rest week, having sat out The Open after three straight months of 60‑stroke rounds. His late‑season consistency makes him a viable early‑round pick.

Parlay Opportunities

For a fun first‑round tie, consider Scottie Scheffler (+172) and Corey Conners (+600) to both finish T‑10, a combo worth +1800. The mid‑range bet balances the heavy favorite while adding excitement. Another attractive parlay targets the T‑30 market with Kurt Kitayama (-154), Keith Mitchell (-122) and Jackson Koivun (-112) together at +470. This trio captures three credible contenders who could mix it up in the middle of the pack.

Final Thoughts

The 3M Open sets up as a star‑studded event with Scheffler the clear favorite, yet the field is littered with mid‑range options that offer betting value. From Im’s short‑game dominance to Fisk’s recent win and the rested veterans like Kim and Ghim, there are plenty of angles to explore. Whether you back the big name or hunt the next surprise, the Twin Cities stop promises action-packed golf and high‑stakes drama.

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