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Kurt Kitayama Defends 3M Open Title, Chasing First Win

7/22/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Kurt Kitayama will defend his 2025 3M Open title at the 2026 tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.
Kurt Kitayama, 33, seeks his first win of the season and a PGA Tour victory, with a $1.584 million winner’s share from the $8.8 million purse.
FedEx Cup leader Scottie Scheffler will play to improve his position after missing cuts in Scotland and England, trailing Kitayama (No. 32), Tom Kim (No. 35) and Hideki Matsuyama (No. 37).

History

Historical Context

In 2007 the PGA Tour launched the FedEx Cup, adding playoffs and a $10 million bonus that Tiger Woods captured as the inaugural champion. The format spurred ever-larger purses, leading the 2026 3M Open at Ridgeview Golf Club to offer an $8.8 million total and a $1.584 million winner’s share. The heightened stakes now draw FedEx Cup leader Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Kurt Kitayama.

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Story summary

Kurt Kitayama will defend his 2025 3M Open title at the 2026 tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.
Kurt Kitayama, 33, seeks his first win of the season and a PGA Tour victory, with a $1.584 million winner’s share from the $8.8 million purse.
FedEx Cup leader Scottie Scheffler will play to improve his position after missing cuts in Scotland and England, trailing Kitayama (No. 32), Tom Kim (No. 35) and Hideki Matsuyama (No. 37).

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