Scheffler's Putter Awakens at 3M Open, Chasing Leader Kohles in Critical FedEx Cup Race

After nearly 200 days without a victory, despite an almost unbroken reign as the world's top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler hinted at a major shift in fortunes during the opening round of the 2026 3M Open. The TPC Twin Cities course witnessed a rare sight on Thursday: Scheffler's putter not just cooperating, but catching fire, propelling him to a bogey-free 6-under 65 and positioning him firmly in contention.

Quick summary

• World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a 6-under 65 in the first round of the 3M Open, largely attributed to a significant improvement in his putting performance.
• Ben Kohles leads the tournament with a career-low 9-under 62, putting himself in a strong position to advance in the crucial FedEx Cup standings.
• Rookie professional Jackson Koivun continued his impressive early career form, carding a 7-under 64 to sit tied for second alongside seasoned players Gary Woodland and Emiliano Grillo.
• The 3M Open carries substantial implications for many golfers battling to secure their spots within the top 70 of the FedEx Cup standings, critical for playoff qualification.

Why it matters

Scottie Scheffler's putting renaissance at the 3M Open carries significant weight for the professional golf landscape. For months, his short game on the greens has been the singular, often-discussed chink in an otherwise impenetrable armor. If Scheffler has indeed found a consistent stroke with the putter, it signals a potential return to the dominant, near-unstoppable form that defined much of his earlier season and could reshape the remainder of the PGA Tour schedule, including the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs. His ability to convert more birdie opportunities makes an already formidable player even more dangerous.

Beyond the top-ranked golfer, the 3M Open is a crucible for many players on the bubble of the FedEx Cup standings. For Ben Kohles, who currently sits at No. 100, a strong showing here is not merely about a tournament win but about securing his PGA Tour card and playoff eligibility. Similarly, rising talents like Jackson Koivun are using these opportunities to establish themselves, demonstrating that the future of golf is vibrant and competitive. The outcomes this week will directly impact careers, financial stability, and the competitive field for golf's postseason.

Background

Scottie Scheffler's tenure as world No. 1, spanning nearly 200 weeks, has been marked by an extraordinary level of consistency and power play. He has amassed 20 PGA Tour victories, a testament to his exceptional ball-striking, often lauded as one of the best in modern golf. However, a persistent narrative surrounding his game has been his struggles with the putter, particularly on longer putts. This weakness was notably highlighted at The Open Championship, where he struggled to convert opportunities, making only six putts from beyond 10 feet throughout the entire week.

Meanwhile, the FedEx Cup Playoffs loom large on the horizon. The 3M Open represents one of the final opportunities for players outside the top 70 to make a significant move up the season-long standings and qualify for the playoffs. This pressure cooker environment adds an extra layer of intensity to every shot, particularly for players like Ben Kohles, who has split his time between the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour this season. Kohles experienced a recent heartbreaking loss at the John Deere Classic, making his performance at TPC Twin Cities even more crucial for his PGA Tour future and current No. 8 Korn Ferry Tour standing.

Scheffler's Putting Resurgence: A Deep Dive

For a golfer whose ball-striking is consistently among the best, the difference between a good round and a great one often hinges on the putter. On Thursday at TPC Twin Cities, Scheffler's putter answered the call with authority. Following a week at The Open where putts from distance eluded him, he nearly matched that entire week's total in a single round, sinking five putts from outside 10 feet.

His impressive conversions included crucial birdies from 15 feet on his third hole, 17 feet on the 18th, another 15-footer on the first, and a remarkable 30-foot bomb on the fourth. He rounded out his birdie spree with shorter putts from 3 and 10 feet. Crucially, Scheffler's scorecard remained unblemished, thanks in part to an 18-foot par save on the 15th, demonstrating not just birdie-making ability but also timely clutch putting to maintain momentum.

Scheffler himself attributed some of the improvement to the course conditions. "Fresh greens are a little bit easier than like links greens," he commented, contrasting the true roll of TPC Twin Cities with the unpredictable nature of links golf. He emphasized focusing on alignment and execution, a simpler approach that clearly paid dividends. Gaining over three strokes on the field with his putter highlights a dramatic shift in performance that could be a game-changer for the remainder of his season.

Ben Kohles' Career Day and FedEx Cup Aspirations

While Scheffler's performance stole headlines, Ben Kohles delivered a masterful 9-under 62, the lowest round of his PGA Tour career, to claim the outright lead. Kohles' story is one of perseverance and determination, navigating between the Korn Ferry Tour and the PGA Tour. His impressive round included gaining more than five strokes on the field with his approach shots, indicating exceptional iron play that set up numerous birdie opportunities.

Currently ranked No. 100 in the PGA Tour's season-long FedEx Cup race, Kohles is acutely aware of the urgency. With only a few events remaining before the playoffs, a significant finish at the 3M Open could catapult him into the top 70, securing his full PGA Tour status for the next season and a spot in the postseason. Despite a recent setback at the John Deere Classic, where he narrowly missed a victory, Kohles remains focused on the present. "My main focus is I'm not really worried about that at all and trying to make the top-70," he stated, underscoring his commitment to playing his best golf now.

Emerging Talents Shine Bright

The 3M Open also serves as a platform for rising stars, and 21-year-old Jackson Koivun certainly seized his moment. Just weeks after making his professional debut, Koivun posted a stunning 7-under 64, matching his career-low round on Tour. This follows a top-10 finish at the ISCO Championship, suggesting a rapid adaptation to the professional circuit.

Koivun's round was characterized by an aggressive yet smart approach, starting with a 10-foot birdie on his opening hole. He continued to capitalize on opportunities, sinking putts from 41, 15, and 12 feet before the turn. His ability to "take advantage of that today" by executing aggressive plays when appropriate demonstrates a maturity beyond his years, making him a compelling player to watch as the tournament progresses.

The Stakes at TPC Twin Cities

The leaderboard at the 3M Open is a captivating mix of established superstars like Scheffler, seasoned veterans like Gary Woodland and Emiliano Grillo (both at 7-under), and hungry contenders like Kohles and Koivun. This blend creates an exciting dynamic for the remainder of the tournament. While Scheffler is chasing a long-awaited victory, many others are battling for their careers, aiming to improve their standing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The 'gettable' nature of the TPC Twin Cities course, as scores showed on Thursday, means that low numbers will continue to be a requirement, pushing every player to maintain an aggressive yet precise game plan over the next 54 holes.

Qnews24h insight

Scottie Scheffler's performance in the opening round of the 3M Open underscores a critical observation in professional golf: even the most dominant players have a discernible weakness. His putting has been the subject of much debate, but Thursday's display suggests that even subtle changes in course conditions or a fresh approach can unlock a player's full potential. The true insight, however, lies in whether this 'found' putter can perform consistently under the heightened pressure of a championship Sunday, particularly on greens that might not be as forgiving as those at TPC Twin Cities. While this course, known for being 'gettable,' might have provided the ideal environment for him to rediscover his touch, the challenge will be maintaining this form on diverse and more demanding layouts. Moreover, the emergence of players like Ben Kohles and Jackson Koivun highlights the constant churn of talent on Tour. These players, driven by the urgency of FedEx Cup qualification, bring a distinct competitive fire that ensures no lead is safe, even for the world's best.

Sources

• CBS Sports: 2026 3M Open leaderboard: Scottie Scheffler finds putter in Round 1, sits three back

FAQ

What was Scottie Scheffler's main improvement in Round 1 of the 3M Open?

Scottie Scheffler's primary improvement in Round 1 was his putting. He gained over three strokes on the field with his putter and sank five putts from outside 10 feet, a significant increase from his recent performance at The Open Championship.

Why is the 3M Open particularly important for golfers like Ben Kohles?

The 3M Open is crucial for golfers like Ben Kohles because it's one of the final opportunities to improve their standing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs race. Kohles, currently outside the top 70, needs a strong finish to secure his PGA Tour card and qualify for the postseason.

How did Jackson Koivun perform in the opening round?

Jackson Koivun, a 21-year-old professional, had an excellent opening round, carding a 7-under 64. This performance matches his career-low round on the Tour and places him in a tie for second, continuing his strong adaptation to professional golf.