Scottie Scheffler is playing the 3M Open for the first time because he did not want a three-week competitive break before the FedExCup Playoffs. The world No. 1 traveled from the British Open to Minnesota for the July 23-26 tournament at TPC Twin Cities, turning a usually quieter stop into one of the week's most-searched sports events.
Scheffler said Wednesday that the event fit his schedule after two weeks in Britain. He finished tied for fourth at Royal Birkdale, then chose another start over a long layoff before the postseason. The decision gives the 3M Open its first world No. 1 since Brooks Koepka played the inaugural edition in 2019.
The appearance is more about rhythm than points. Scheffler already leads the FedExCup standings by 737 points, according to the PGA TOUR's official pre-tournament notes, and has 10 top-five finishes in 16 starts this season. He has won once in 2026, at The American Express in January, but described his year as consistent rather than great.
Why the 3M Open fit Scheffler's schedule
The 3M Open is Scheffler's fifth tournament in six weeks and his third consecutive start. That workload would normally point toward rest, but the calendar created a different calculation: after the last major, three idle weeks would have separated him from the playoffs.
His team also had heard favorable reports about the Minnesota event. Scheffler praised the tournament's treatment of players, caddies and families after arriving in Blaine. Tournament organizers told The Associated Press that his presence had sold out pro-am tents and skyboxes and put the event on pace for record attendance.
That star power matters to a tournament facing a longer-term question. The PGA TOUR plans a new two-tier structure in 2028, and the 3M Open's current $8.8 million purse sits below the proposed $20 million minimum for top-tier Championship Series events. A successful week with the game's top-ranked player gives organizers a stronger showcase as that transition approaches.
What Scheffler faces at TPC Twin Cities
TPC Twin Cities is playing as a par 71 at 7,431 yards this year. Scheffler identified driving accuracy as the central test after seeing all 18 holes. The course has length, substantial water and healthy rough; missing fairways can make it difficult to reach the large greens in regulation.
That challenge matches Scheffler's strongest 2026 numbers. He entered the week leading the PGA TOUR in strokes gained from tee to green, greens in regulation and scoring average. He also leads the season in top-10 and top-25 finishes, making him the clear benchmark for a field that includes Hideki Matsuyama, Sungjae Im, defending champion Kurt Kitayama and 2022 winner Tony Finau.
When to watch next
Scheffler began Thursday's first round from the 10th tee alongside Matsuyama and Im. The same group is scheduled to start Friday's second round from the first tee at 12:44 p.m. Central time. Golf Channel carries coverage Thursday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Eastern; weekend coverage is split between Golf Channel and CBS.
The larger question is whether a week chosen for continuity can produce Scheffler's second victory of the season. At a course that yielded five rounds of 62 or better last year, a steady start may not be enough. The 3M Open rewards aggressive scoring, and the world No. 1 came to Minnesota to compete, not merely to stay occupied.
Sources
Reporting is based on Scheffler's July 22 press conference transcript, the PGA TOUR's official 3M Open notes and tee times, the tournament's commitment announcement, and Associated Press reporting.
