3M Open 2025: Stars Align in Minnesota as Round 3 Tees Off… See more…
July 26, 2025 – Blaine, Minnesota – The calm lakeside winds, sun-soaked fairways, and competitive tension at TPC Twin Cities set the perfect stage for the third round of the 2025 3M Open. With the tournament now entering its pivotal weekend stretch, several top contenders are jostling for position in what promises to be a compelling finish come Sunday.
Held in the scenic outskirts of Minneapolis, this midsummer PGA Tour stop has increasingly earned its reputation as a course that rewards risk-takers while punishing lapses in accuracy. And through the first two rounds, fans have witnessed dazzling shot-making, surprise names rising on the leaderboard, and the return to form of several high-profile stars.
The Course: A Minnesota Masterpiece
TPC Twin Cities was once seen as a birdie-fest haven, but recent adjustments have added bite to its layout. Narrower landing zones, tighter pin positions, and firmer greens have turned the course into a strategic battleground.
At 7,431 yards and par 71, it offers scoring chances for bold players—especially on its par-5s—but penalizes wayward shots, particularly with water hazards in play on 15 holes.
This year, the course is playing slightly firmer than usual, with sunny skies and moderate winds amplifying the importance of shot control. As a result, Round 3 becomes a proving ground for those who can manage risk without compromising aggression.
Leaderboard Overview: Tight at the Top
Heading into Saturday’s third round, the leaderboard is crowded. Just five strokes separate the top 15 players, meaning any hot round could launch someone from mid-pack to pole position.
At the top sits Sahith Theegala, whose opening rounds of 65 and 66 have set the pace. Theegala has dazzled fans with his creativity, especially around the greens, where his short game has repeatedly rescued par. His ability to scramble combined with aggressive approaches has made him one of the players to watch this weekend.
“I love this course,” Theegala said on Friday. “It forces you to commit. You can’t bail out, and that suits how I like to play.”
Just behind him lurk Tony Finau, Wyndham Clark, and Patrick Cantlay—all experienced names with reputations for capitalizing on weekend momentum.
Fan Favorites in the Mix
This year’s 3M Open has drawn a strong field thanks to its favorable scheduling before the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The presence of Max Homa, Sam Burns, and Tom Kim has created a buzz among fans, who have turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the stars up close.
Max Homa, currently tied for sixth, has found his groove after a somewhat inconsistent early season. Known for his candor and relatability, Homa spoke about how important the 3M Open has become for players looking to gain points heading into the postseason.
“Every shot matters this time of year,” Homa said after carding a 67 on Friday. “You can’t afford a slow week, and the course demands you stay sharp.”
Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is just two shots off the lead and has been dialed in with the putter. His presence near the top adds credibility and star power to the weekend drama.
Emerging Names Making Noise
Aside from the marquee players, this year’s 3M Open is also highlighting several lesser-known names making bold statements.
Michael Thorbjornsen, a rising star from Stanford, carded a sizzling 64 in Round 2 and vaulted into the top 10. If he keeps up the pace, he could notch his first professional Top-5 finish—and perhaps even make a late bid for a Ryder Cup captain’s pick.
“I’m just trying to stay present,” said Thorbjornsen. “This course rewards good decisions, and that’s where I’m focusing.”
Another breakout story is Carson Young, a Monday qualifier who has defied odds to reach contention. Young, who came into the event ranked outside the top 250, finds himself tied for 11th after two solid rounds. His Cinderella story has captured the imagination of the fans.
Strategic Holes to Watch in Round 3
As Round 3 unfolds, several holes are expected to play a decisive role:
- Hole 6 (Par-5, 617 yards): Reachable in two for the longer hitters. Eagle opportunities, but danger left and long.
- Hole 12 (Par-4, 398 yards): Drivable for aggressive players, but with water guarding the green. A classic risk-reward moment.
- Hole 18 (Par-5, 593 yards): The tournament’s closing hole is always a stage for heroics—or heartbreak—with its narrow fairway and water guarding the front of the green.
Expect big swings in scorecards here.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the $7.5 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points, the 3M Open offers critical positioning heading into the FedEx Cup Playoffs. For players like Homa and Clark, strong finishes mean potential byes into later playoff rounds. For emerging players, a win could lock up full Tour status and entry into next year’s major championships.
With the Ryder Cup looming, performances here may also influence captain’s decisions, particularly for fringe candidates like Burns or Keegan Bradley, who need strong finishes to cement their case.
Looking Ahead
Saturday’s round will be crucial. With favorable weather forecasted and course conditions expected to remain firm, the door is open for someone to go low and take control. But with the field so tight, mistakes will be costly.
If Theegala holds his nerve, he could be walking into his second career PGA Tour victory. But veterans like Finau, Cantlay, and Clark are circling—and they know how to finish.
One thing is certain: with big names in contention, fresh faces surging, and a championship-caliber course demanding precision, the 2025 3M Open is shaping up for a dramatic weekend finish.
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