3M Open Tips

Sam Burns is in top form, showing multiple top-10 finishes this season, and is recognized as the best putter in the field. His consistency in iron play and motivation for Ryder Cup qualification make him stand out. The TPC Twin Cities course, which favors aggressive play and scoring, fits well with his strengths, giving him a strategic advantage.

Chris Gotterup enters the 3M Open on a remarkable hot streak, fresh off a victory at the Genesis Scottish Open and a podium at The Open Championship. His powerful driving and bold approach shots perfectly match TPC Twin Cities’ reward-for-aggression design, making birdie streaks likely. Gotterup has quickly earned a reputation for rising to the challenge in big moments, and with his confidence sky-high, he looks poised to carry that momentum into Minnesota. The less star-studded field only enhances his chances for a breakthrough, and his game fits the course demands beautifully.

Maverick McNealy has been a model of consistency throughout 2025, collecting six top-10 finishes and establishing himself as one of the top players in this field. His previous T3 at the 3M Open shows he’s comfortable and capable at TPC Twin Cities, where his strong driving and sharp iron play are rewarded. McNealy’s calm temperament and balanced skillset let him avoid big mistakes, crucial on a layout where water hazards and final-hole nerves can derail a run. With a game built for courses like this and recent form trending upward, he’s a serious Top 5 threat.

The American has been playing some great golf the last month, and I do think he will contend in the 3M Open. 4th at the Rocket Classic, 21st at the John Deere Classic, and 14th at the Isco Championship, I think Michael Thorbjornsen will play well and go low to be high on the leaderboard in the 3M Open.

As the defending champion, Jhonattan Vegas heads back to Blaine with confidence and course knowledge on his side. Vegas’ two prior strong finishes at TPC Twin Cities prove this layout suits his eye, especially as he thrives on wide-open designs with abundant birdie opportunities. This season, Vegas has elevated his all-around game, making him a reliable pick even against rising stars. Defending a title is never easy, but Vegas’ ability to stay patient and attack when needed gives him a solid shot at another top result here. He remains one of the safest bets to feature late on Sunday.

Well, I got it wrong with Eckroat last week, who didn't play well, but I'm hoping to bounce back with Pendrith, who I really like a lot here. He is a much-improved player at 37 in the world. He missed the cut in this event in 2023 but finished 5th in 2024, showing his improved play over the last year. He has some high finishes in prestigious events of late, with a 9th at Pebble Beach, a 12th at the Memorial, and a 5th at the PGA. This is definitely not as strong as those. When he was 5th last year here, he had a 3rd round 73. With that aside, he lost by just 3 shots and probably felt like one got away. So maybe missing the cut at the Open last week was a blessing to keep him fresh for this, and he has a score to settle. He looks the value play of course form and ranking to me.

The American won the John Deere Classic last year, and I do think this 3M Open will be a low-scoring event like that tournament on another TPC golf course. Davis Thompson was 25th at the Travelers Championship, 34th at the Rocket Classic, and 18th at the John Deere Classic. I think he will go low with loads of birdies to have a good run in the 3M Open.

The American was 14th last week and I do think he will have another good week at the 3M Open. Last year Kurt Kitayama was tied 6th in this tournament and I think he will again feature on the leaderboard, I am thinking he will go very close to winning this week on the PGA Tour.

Tony Finau played well last week at The Open Championship and was in contention after 36 holes at Royal Portrush. He was 12th last year at the 3M Open, and in three of the four years, he was 3rd, 1st, and 7th. I am tipping the American can win this tournament again this week.

In the last three appearances at the 3M Open, the American has finished 5th twice at this tournament. Keith Mitchell has not looked far away in recent events, and after seeing his best friend Harris English play so well at The Open, I am tipping he will contend in the 3M again.

Sungjae has been struggling, but we can't forget that at world number 28, he's one of the highest-ranked players here. He did finish 5th at the Masters and 16th at the Memorial as his standout performances. It's hard to know why, aside from that, it's been so erratic, but he's so good he could put that right here at a juicy 40-1.

As the defending champion, Jhonattan Vegas heads back to Blaine with confidence and course knowledge on his side. Vegas’ two prior strong finishes at TPC Twin Cities prove this layout suits his eye, especially as he thrives on wide-open designs with abundant birdie opportunities. This season, Vegas has elevated his all-around game, making him a reliable pick even against rising stars. Defending a title is never easy, but Vegas’ ability to stay patient and attack when needed gives him a solid shot at another top result here. He remains one of the safest bets to feature late on Sunday.

The American was 4th at the Canadian Open and has had top twenty finishes at The Masters, the CJ Cup, Byron Nelson, and the Rocket Classic. He won the Black Desert Championship last year, and I am tipping Matt McCarty will take a liking to this week's course and challenge for the 3M Open.

Whaley is an interesting pick at slightly bigger odds as he has been a model of consistency of late, making 9 cuts in a row with 4 finishes inside the top 15. At slightly bigger odds than perhaps he should be, he has to be worth a wager.

Gary Woodland has made his last three cuts, and he is starting to show glimpses of good golf again on the PGA Tour. He was runner-up earlier this year at the Texas Children's Houston Open, and I am tipping with an 11th at the 3M Open before that. The American will have a good week.