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By Josh Berhow | July 23, 2026
BLAINE, Minn. — The atmosphere at TPC Twin Cities this week is different. It is a palpable shift in energy that can be felt from the practice range to the final green, a buzz centered entirely on the arrival of the world’s most dominant golfer. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, has descended upon the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and for a community that prides itself on "Minnesota Nice," the welcome mat has been laid out in grand fashion.
The impact of Scheffler’s presence is not merely anecdotal; it is reflected in the record-shattering year-over-year ticket sales for the 3M Open. For the local fans, the chance to witness the best player on the planet in their own backyard is a rare opportunity, and they showed up in droves on Thursday morning, eager to catch a glimpse of the man who has defined the current era of professional golf.
The Main Facts: A Bogey-Free Masterclass
Scottie Scheffler’s opening round at the 3M Open was a masterclass in efficiency and precision. Navigating the TPC Twin Cities layout with a veteran’s poise—despite having only two days and 18 holes of preparation on a course he had never played—Scheffler carded a flawless six-under-par 65.
The performance was statistically brilliant, particularly regarding the flat stick. Coming off a fourth-place finish at last week’s Open Championship, where a "balky putter" hindered his pursuit of a major title, Scheffler found his rhythm on the Minnesota greens. He finished the day leading the field in Strokes Gained: Putting, successfully draining over 130 feet of putts. His scorecard, pristine and devoid of bogeys, placed him firmly in the hunt for the clubhouse lead, trailing only Emiliano Grillo, who surged ahead with a 64 shortly after Scheffler concluded his round.
A Chronology of the Opening Day
The day began at 7:29 a.m. local time, an hour that typically sees a more subdued gallery. Not so on Thursday. From the moment Scheffler stepped onto the first tee, he was surrounded by a massive crowd that only swelled as the morning progressed.
- The Early Morning Surge: By the time Scheffler reached the 9th hole—his 18th of the day—the scene was reminiscent of a Sunday afternoon major championship finish. A massive horseshoe of fans lined the green, creating an environment that elevated the stakes of a standard opening round.
- Back-Nine Momentum: Starting on the back nine, Scheffler’s opening holes were defined by missed opportunities and steady recovery. He narrowly missed a seven-footer for birdie on the 10th but found his footing thereafter. He effectively birdied both par-5s during his first nine holes, establishing a pace that would keep him at the top of the leaderboard throughout the day.
- Closing the Round: The back half of his round was highlighted by a stunning 28-foot birdie conversion on the par-3 4th hole. By the time he reached his final hole, his 65 was secure, marking a bogey-free day characterized by 10 fairways hit and 15 of 18 greens in regulation.
Supporting Data and Technical Analysis
The transition from his performance at the Open Championship to his success at the 3M Open is a testament to Scheffler’s adaptability. Following his pre-tournament press conference, where he spoke extensively about the "ebbs and flows" of putting and the challenges of variable green speeds, the results on Thursday provided clear evidence of his adjustments.
Putting Performance
Scheffler’s ability to convert putts from distance was the primary differentiator in his round.
- Strokes Gained (Putting): Finished 1st in the field.
- Total Footage: Over 130 feet of successful putts.
- Consistency: After missing a short putt on the 10th, he did not miss a single attempt from within seven feet for the remainder of the round.
Ball Striking
Despite not hitting every fairway, Scheffler demonstrated the composure that has become his trademark. "I didn’t hit a bunch of fairways early," Scheffler acknowledged post-round, "but I was able to kind of manage my way around and get out of some trouble areas without making any bogeys." This ability to salvage pars from difficult positions allowed him to maintain the momentum required to capitalize on his later opportunities.
Official Responses: Scheffler on the Minnesota Experience
Scheffler’s time in Minnesota has been defined by his humility. Having spent time in downtown Minneapolis with his family earlier in the week—even stopping for coffee to support the local economy—the World No. 1 has been struck by the warmth of the local populace.
"A few people that recognized me were very nice," Scheffler said on Wednesday. "They asked for photos. I was with my family so I said, ‘No, not right now.’ They didn’t make a face, or they were kind of like, ‘No, no, I totally understand, thanks for being here.’ I was kind of taken back by how nice people have been so far."
Regarding the crowd support on Thursday, he remained characteristically appreciative. "It was a lot of fun. It was a really good crowd this morning, especially for an early tee time. It’s always fun getting to play in front of so many people."
Implications: The Road Ahead
The 3M Open is known for low scores, and a 65, while exceptional, is merely the opening salvo in a tournament where the winning score is expected to be deep into the double digits under par.
Maintaining Momentum
The challenge for Scheffler now shifts to consistency. With a late tee time scheduled for Friday (1:44 p.m. ET), he will face different course conditions, including potentially firmer, faster greens as the day wears on. His ability to hit fairways—which he noted was a struggle early in his first round—will be critical as the field tightens and the pressure mounts.
The Impact on the 3M Open
Scheffler’s decision to participate in this year’s tournament has fundamentally altered the event’s trajectory. By drawing a massive gallery and generating significant media interest, he has elevated the profile of the 3M Open. For tournament organizers, this is a validation of their efforts to attract elite talent. For the PGA Tour, it serves as a reminder that the presence of a dominant, fan-favorite superstar can reinvigorate interest in mid-summer tournaments.
As the tournament moves toward the weekend, the question remains whether the field can keep pace with the World No. 1. If Thursday’s performance is any indication, the path to the trophy in Blaine will run directly through Scottie Scheffler. He has navigated the "Minnesota Nice" hospitality with grace, and he is now set to test the limits of his game on a course that is demanding, yet ripe for low scoring.
The 2026 3M Open has found its protagonist. Now, the rest of the field must decide if they are ready to step into the spotlight and challenge the best in the world. As the crowds continue to descend upon TPC Twin Cities, one thing is certain: this is not just another tour stop. This is a marquee event, defined by a master at work.
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