Dwi Wanna
By: Kevin Cunningham
July 24, 2026
The 2026 PGA Tour season has been defined by consistency, high-stakes drama, and the relentless pursuit of FedEx Cup points. As the tour rolls into Blaine, Minnesota, for the annual 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities, the narrative has shifted toward a familiar face seeking a return to the winner’s circle. Scottie Scheffler, the undisputed World No. 1, headlines a field that is looking to make a statement before the final stretch of the season.
With the second round set for Friday, the pressure at TPC Twin Cities is palpable. The cut line looms, and for those hovering near the top of the leaderboard, the Friday session represents a critical juncture to establish momentum heading into the weekend.
Main Facts: The Stakes at TPC Twin Cities
The 2026 3M Open has provided a stage for both seasoned veterans and rising stars to shine. Following a blistering opening round, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape. Ben Kohles currently holds the top spot, demonstrating the kind of poise required to navigate the challenging water hazards and strategic bunkering of the Arnold Palmer-designed course.
However, the headline story remains Scottie Scheffler. Despite his dominance in the FedEx Cup standings throughout the 2026 campaign, Scheffler has remarkably secured only one official PGA Tour victory this season. His opening-round 65, a surgical six-under-par performance, has placed him firmly in contention.
"The course is playing firm, but the scoring opportunities are there if you hit your spots," remarked one tour analyst. For Scheffler, who trails Kohles by three strokes, Friday is about closing that gap. With a crowded leaderboard—including a three-way tie for second place at seven-under—the margin for error is razor-thin.
Chronological Breakdown: How We Got Here
The first round on Thursday served as an aggressive opening salvo. The conditions at TPC Twin Cities were favorable, allowing for aggressive play on the par-5s and strategic approaches into the guarded greens.
- Morning Wave: Early starters took advantage of soft greens and minimal wind. Ben Kohles emerged from the pack, carding a stellar round that set the benchmark for the field.
- Afternoon Wave: As the wind picked up, the difficulty of the course increased. Despite this, Scottie Scheffler navigated the conditions with his characteristic precision. His 65 highlighted his ability to scramble when necessary and capitalize on birdie opportunities on the back nine.
- The Cut: Friday’s round is more than just a battle for the lead; it is a battle for survival. Players hovering at or near the projected cut line will be under immense pressure to post a low score to ensure their participation in the final two rounds.
Supporting Data: The Statistical Landscape
To understand the trajectory of the 3M Open, one must look at the metrics defining play at TPC Twin Cities.
Key Performance Indicators
- Strokes Gained: Approach: The greens at TPC Twin Cities are notoriously difficult to read. Players who rank high in approach play have consistently performed well here in previous years.
- Scrambling: Given the high number of water hazards that define the course’s layout, the ability to save par from the fringe or bunkers has been a separator for the leaders.
- FedEx Cup Implications: With the postseason fast approaching, every point earned at the 3M Open is vital. For players outside the top 70, this tournament is essentially a must-win scenario.
The Contender Profile
Scottie Scheffler’s statistical profile remains the gold standard. His driving accuracy, coupled with a ball-striking ability that ranks among the best in the history of the sport, makes him the favorite regardless of the three-stroke deficit. However, the presence of players like Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im—who are paired with Scheffler for the second round—ensures that the World No. 1 will not have an easy path to the lead.
Official Responses and Player Insights
Players arriving at the 18th green on Thursday were quick to emphasize the difficulty of the setup.
"The pin placements are tricky," said Ben Kohles in a post-round press conference. "You can’t just fire at every flag. You have to play for the center of the green and hope the putter stays hot."
Regarding the looming presence of Scheffler, the consensus among the field is one of healthy respect. The "Scheffler Factor" creates a unique dynamic; when he plays well, it forces the rest of the field to elevate their game. The pressure is no longer just on maintaining one’s own score, but on keeping pace with a player who rarely makes mistakes.
Implications: The Road to Sunday
The results of Friday’s second round will dictate the atmosphere for the weekend. If Scheffler manages to shoot another round in the mid-60s, he effectively puts the tournament in a chokehold. If he falters, the door swings wide open for a host of hungry contenders.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans looking to follow the action will have multiple avenues to track the leaders:
- TV Coverage: Golf Channel will broadcast live coverage from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Streaming: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ is the go-to for dedicated viewers, offering extensive coverage starting at 7:45 a.m. ET, including featured groups and specific hole-tracking for the most challenging stretches of the course.
- Mobile Experience: The GOLF App will provide a live simulcast of the Golf Channel broadcast, ensuring that even those on the move can stay updated with real-time scoring and commentary.
Notable Tee Times for Friday
- 7:45 a.m. ET (Tee No. 1): Peter Malnati, Tom Hoge, Sam Stevens
- 8:29 a.m. ET (Tee No. 1): Aldrich Potgieter, Kevin Yu, Aaron Wise
- 1:33 p.m. ET (Tee No. 1): Jake Knapp, Corey Conners, Max Homa
- 1:44 p.m. ET (Tee No. 1): Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, Sungjae Im
- 8:29 a.m. ET (Tee No. 10): Gary Woodland, Maverick McNealy, Tony Finau
- 1:33 p.m. ET (Tee No. 10): Davis Riley, Taylor Pendrith, Chris Kirk
Strategic Outlook: What to Watch For
As we move into the second round, keep an eye on the transition holes (holes 7 through 9). These holes have historically provided the highest variance in scoring. A player who can navigate these holes at even-par or better is likely to climb the leaderboard by the end of the day.
Furthermore, the afternoon pairings (specifically those teeing off after 1:00 p.m. ET) will face potentially firmer conditions as the sun beats down on the TPC Twin Cities fairways. How the course responds to the Friday traffic will be the ultimate test of the grounds crew’s preparation and the players’ adaptability.
The 2026 3M Open is shaping up to be a classic. Whether it concludes with a coronation for the World No. 1 or a career-defining breakthrough for an underdog, Friday’s action will provide the foundational narrative for the final two rounds. Stay tuned, as the race for the trophy in Minnesota is only just beginning.
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