The 2026 3M Open began Thursday at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leading after a flawless first round. Scheffler posted a bogey-free 6-under 65, tying first in scrambling and ranking second in strokes gained: putting, to take the early advantage in the par-71, 7,431-yard tournament course [1] [2].
The tournament runs from July 23 to 26 and carries an $8.8 million purse, marking one of the final three regular-season events before the FedEx Cup Playoffs start on August 13 [3] [2]. Tee times opened at 7:45 a.m. Eastern Time Thursday [2] [4].
Scheffler chose to compete after spending two weeks in the United Kingdom. He praised the course, saying, "The course seems really nice. The greens are really good. The rough is pretty healthy, so fairways are going to be at a premium this week...everything looks pretty good from my view." Scheffler added the scheduling suited him, noting, "We had two weeks in the U.K., and three weeks off before the Playoffs didn't seem like the most ideal way to set up my schedule...I'm excited to get the week started and, yeah, play some golf." [1]
Scheffler is the clear favorite to win, with odds between +260 and +265, well ahead of defending champion Kurt Kitayama, who is second favorite at roughly +2200 to +2500 odds depending on sources [2] [5] [3]. Other notable contenders include Maverick McNealy (+2500 to +2700), Hideki Matsuyama (+2800 to +3000), and Tom Kim (+2900 to +3000) [2] [3]. Matsuyama has experience on this course but mixed past results [3].
Longshots with potential include recent pro and former NCAA champion Jackson Koivun, picked by some to finish in the top 10 [6]. Max Homa, despite recent form improvements, is being faded by some experts with odds around 55-1 due to inconsistency. "He hasn't won on Tour in three years...it seems after a couple of good rounds, he cannot maintain it for four days," golf expert Brady Kannon said [5].
SportsLine's model, simulating the tournament 10,000 times, predicted some surprises such as McNealy not finishing in the top five despite his betting odds [2] [4].
Thursday’s opening round included a warm reception for Scheffler from Minnesota fans, affirming his status as a star attraction for the event [1].
Play continues Friday with the second round as players seek to position themselves before the weekend. The 3M Open will conclude Sunday, July 26, closing the final regular-season phase before the FedEx Cup Playoffs begin less than three weeks later [2].
