After two fantastic weeks in Ohio, the PGA Tour heads to Minnesota for the 3M Open. While this field seems like a bit of a let down, I assure you there is good golf on the horizon this weekend.
Matthew Wolff and his unique swing won in dramatic fashion last year at 21-under par. It was his first win on Tour and with most of the big names sitting out this weekend, it opens an opportunity for another up and comer to make their presence known.
Let’s dive right in:
The Field
We have three of the top 12 players in the world teeing it up this weekend in Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood.
Rounding out that top 12 is Tommy Fleetwood, who will be making his first appearance back on the links since the Arnold Palmer Invitational right before the world was put on pause. Though he missed the cut at Arnie’s tournament, the long-haired Englishman had been in exquisite form prior to the stoppage, cementing four top-22 finishes in his last six appearances.
Being from England, he was forced to quarantine before being allowed back on Tour, which would have been quite the drag had he not set up shop in the Hamptons. “Quarantining” minutes away from Shinnecock Hills, Friar’s Head and National Golf Links of America sounds about as ideal as it can get. Each one is ranked in the top-15 best courses in the country, so I’d imagine you won’t be hearing Tommy complain anytime soon.
Fleetwood and his luscious locks will be a mainstay on Tour, as he plans to stay in America through September’s US Open.
The number four player in the world, Dustin Johnson, will be looking to rebound after carding back-to-back 80’s in Ohio. While those are two days I’d be extremely proud of, Johnson most likely went home disgusted with himself. Clearly, it was an off-week though, as he was a winner on Tour just two weeks ago. Despite those nasty scores, he’s the favorite this week at 11-1.
Some notable names include Tony Finau, Bubba Watson and last year’s winner Matthew Wolff.
As you can tell from the three paragraphs I spent talking about Tommy Fleetwood – I like him. He’s my pick this week at +1600 and one of my favorite guys on tour. God speed, Tommy!
Some other value guys include:
Will Gordon +7500
Alex Noren +8000
Brenden Grace +9000
The Course
The man behind TPC Twin Cities is none other than the legend himself, Arnold Palmer. It’s a par-72 and tips out at over 7,400 yards. It blends seamlessly in the Northern Minnesota terrain and consistently ranks in the top-20 for Minnesota courses. This will be the second time the course has hosted the 3M Open.
Hole #6, 594 yards, Par-5
A reachable par-5 if you’re willing to take the risk. The thing’s got a double dogleg which leaves a number of strategic possibilities for the guys. The most sensible way being, perhaps, hugging the right side and clearly some fescue leaving an open shot to the green. If Bryson DeChambeau were in the field this week, I’m sure he’d try and drive it.
Hole #7, 381 yards, Par 4
Drivable greens always make the list. This one is guarded by a lake and a couple massive bunkers on each side. A long and accurate missile will have some of these guys putting for eagle. Miss your mark and you’re in serious trouble. I assume most will opt for the conservative route, leaving a wedge in.
Hole #9, 502 yards, Par-4
This one is a beautiful bastard of a golf hole. It’s probably one of the most difficult to manage that the guys will come across this week. 502 yards is a manageable distance, however, with a lake that cuts into the green on the right and some sprawling mounds shooting up the left side – guys can’t miss. It typically requires a long iron into a sprawling green that will certainly test their nerves as they round out the front nine.
Hole #18, 595 yards, Par-5
This is one gorgeous finisher. The lake has doubled in size which changes the way the guys will approach this hole. Extra room was added which now won’t be necessary considering it’ll be another tournament played without fans. Regardless, a finishing par-5 leaves plenty of room for some serious drama down the stretch, just like we saw last year when Bryson DeChambeau did this.
Unfortunately for the meathead, Matthew Wolff followed it up with this.
Sorry Bryson, you sure do hate to see it.
Where to watch
Rounds 1-2 — Thursday and Friday
PGA Tour Live – 7:45 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Live TV coverage: 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Golf Channel
Stream online: 2:30-6:30 p.m. on fuboTV and NBCSports.com
Rounds 3-4 — Saturday and Sunday
PGA Tour Live – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Early TV coverage: 1-3 p.m. on Golf Channel
Live TV coverage: 3-6 p.m. on CBS
Stream online – CBS Sports app and CBSSports.com
We’re just a couple weeks away from the first major since the restart!
Enjoy the golf this week.
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