The 3M Open | Course Preview, Field, & What to Watch for

Scoring at Muirfield Village last week was challenging, to say the least. Jack had that place fast, burnt out, and covered with thick rough. This week, at TPC Twin Cities, the story will be a bit different. Matthew Wolff captured his first Tour win here last year, with a total score of -21. The 3M Open is a new event, with this year being the 2nd playing. There isn’t much around this course to protect it from the guys from going low. 

Course Preview 

TPC Twin Cities was designed by a familiar name, the late Arnold Palmer. When most people think of the King they think of his playing career, but Arnie was also a great course designer.

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We all know Bay Hill, but Twin Cities is another one of his pristine designs. The Par 71 will play just under 7,200 yards, with the main protection of the routing being water. Only 4 holes on the course don’t feature water, so keeping the ball dry will be the field’s number 1 priority. The most important statistic for the guys this week will be ball-striking, as they will have to make a lot of birdies to get into contention. 

Field 

Aside from a few top tier guys, this field isn’t very strong. 

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Brooks Koepka is coming off two mediocre performances at Muirfield. He missed the cut at the Workday, and made the cut on the number at the Memorial and finished a mere T62. The former World No. 1 has fallen all the way to #6 in the WGR, and continues to fail to put 4 days together. He ranks 192nd in driving, and 179th in GIR, which explains the scoring struggles. With a major coming up in a few weeks, we will see if he’s able to turn it around.

Dustin Johnson won the Travelers Championship just a few weeks ago, then at the Memorial, came in dead last. Didn’t beat anyone. Golf is a weird game. Aside from the win, he’s shown okay form, with another MC at the Charles Schwab but a T17 at the RBC Heritage. This will be Dustin’s first visit to the 3M Open.

Tony Finau is due for a win. He seems to be in contention every week, but poor Sunday performances derail any hopes of winning. After being tied for the lead entering last Sunday, he posted a final round 78 and finished in solo 8th. 

The best hair on Tour is back this week for the first time since the re-start. Tommy Fleetwood will be making his first start since the opening round of the Players. This golf course seems to fit everything Tommy does well. Drives it straight, and is one of the premier ball-strikers on Tour. Side note, Fleetwood was at Shinnecock recently and posted a 64.

Players to Watch

Matty Wolff won here last year, and is coming off a T22 at the Memorial in very tough conditions. He makes birdies in bunches, which is a necessity around this track. 

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Lucas Glover is playing very consistent golf. Since the return, he’s 5-5 in Top 25 finishes. After closing with a 62 here last year, he finished T7. 

Erik Van Rooyen returns to Minnesota, where he went to college. He finished T22 last week at the Memorial, and ranked inside the Top 10 in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green. 

Featured Groups 

Dustin Johnson (25), Tony Finau (32), Tommy Fleetwood (81)

Matthew Wolff (45), Max Homa (66), Branden Grace (155)

Brooks Koepka (154), Keith Mitchell (86), Charles Howell III (67)

Bubba Watson (58), Pat Perez (75), Paul Casey (107)

Weather

BLAINE WEATHER

My Pick 

I’m going to take Lucas Glover. He’s been very consistent since the return, and consistent high finishes usually leads to a win. He sits at +2500.

Cover Image Via Instagram