Full Breakdown
Scottie Scheffler Makes 3M Open Debut Amid Playoff Push
7/22/2026, 9:23:20 PM
Core Event: Scheffler’s First Appearance at the 3M Open
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is competing in the 2026 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota for the first time. The tournament begins Thursday, with Scheffler teeing off at 8:29 a.m. ET. His participation arrives as the PGA Tour moves toward the FedEx Cup playoffs, making the event a critical opportunity for players on the bubble.
Background & Context
The 3M Open, now in its eighth PGA Tour season, sits between the major-championship swing and the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs. Historically the field has struggled to attract top-ranked players, but organizers have intensified outreach since 2022. Scheffler’s decision follows a T-4 finish at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and a season-opening victory at The American Express in January—the only win he has recorded this year. He has led the FedEx Cup standings for the past five weeks, marking the longest current streak on Tour.
Data & Statistics
- Odds: CBS Sports lists Scheffler at 5/2 (?+280) and notes a -295 favorite status for a U.S. winner overall. DraftKings’ July 21 odds board also positions Scheffler as the heavy favorite, with an “insurance” market for a winner without him.
- Season performance: Scheffler has logged ten top-5 finishes (including four runner-up results) in 10 starts, the most by any player this season. He has recorded 178 days since his last victory, the longest gap in his career.
- FedEx Cup lead: He has topped the points race for five consecutive weeks, a lead of 144 career weeks inside the top 10—60 more than the next-closest player, Collin Morikawa.
- Ticket demand: Tournament director Tracy West reports a 25 percent surge in ticket sales since Scheffler’s entry was confirmed, with sponsor 3M exhausting its initial allocation and purchasing additional tickets.
- Course profile: TPC Twin Cities is a par-71, 7,431-yard layout featuring extensive water hazards; analysts note that precision off the tee and on approach shots is essential for scoring under 15 under par.
Official Statements & Responses
Scheffler said he added the 3M Open to avoid a three-week break before the playoffs and because he had heard “a lot of good things” about the tournament. He praised the event staff and fans, describing the hospitality as “tremendous” and “really nice.” Tracy West highlighted the impact of Scheffler’s presence on fan engagement, noting rapid ticket sales and heightened enthusiasm, including numerous autograph requests and selfies. Defending champion Kurt Kitayama, speaking after last year’s victory, called Scheffler’s consistency “something to admire.”
On-the-Ground Reports
During the Wednesday pro-am, Scheffler played nine holes with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, exchanging light-hearted conversation about football and golf. Observers noted the cart accompanying Scheffler paused several times for fan photos, underscoring his draw as a marquee name.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Odds for Scheffler vary across sources: CBS Sports cites 5/2, while DraftKings’ July 21 market presents a separate “insurance” line that removes him from the primary favorite list. No source provides a unified consensus on the exact payout, reflecting typical bookmaker differences.
What’s Next
The 3M Open concludes on Sunday, after which the FedEx Cup playoffs begin with the Wyndham Championship in early August. Players will be vying for the limited playoff spots, making Scheffler’s performance in Minnesota a pivotal factor in his quest to maintain the points lead heading into the postseason.
