3M Open: Sunday Showdown Looms As Leaderboard Packs Tight At TPC Twin Cities

3M Open: Sunday Showdown Looms As Leaderboard Packs Tight At TPC Twin Cities

BLAINE, MN – Golf fans are in for a thrilling finale at the 3M Open this Sunday, as the leaderboard at TPC Twin Cities is jammed with contenders, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion designed by the course itself. With just one round remaining, the battle for the title is wide open, promising fireworks on the closing holes.

Entering Sunday's final round, Akshay Bhatia and Thorbjørn Olesen share the lead at 18-under par, both looking for their first PGA Tour victory of the year. But their narrow advantage is far from secure, with four players just one shot back at 17-under, and three more at 16-under, ensuring a crowded and competitive chase. Among the chasing pack is Kurt Kitayama, who stunned with an incredible 60 in Saturday's third round, putting him firmly in contention.

The 3M Open, known for its low-scoring potential, consistently delivers exciting finishes, and TPC Twin Cities plays a significant role in that reputation. Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer with later enhancements by Minnesota natives Tom Lehman and Tim Herron, the 7,431-yard, par-71 layout is crafted to encourage aggressive play and reward precision, particularly on its risk-reward holes.

Water hazards are a prominent feature, coming into play on 15 of the 18 holes, including several on the critical closing stretch. This strategically placed water, coupled with sometimes narrow fairways and undulating bentgrass greens, demands both power and accuracy. While the course can yield many birdies, it also punishes errant shots with significant penalty strokes. The drivable par-4 16th, the iconic over-water par-3 17th, and the challenging par-5 18th are all notorious for producing late-round drama, where fortunes can swing wildly.

Last year's champion, Jhonattan Vegas, exemplifies the type of thrilling finish TPC Twin Cities can produce, having secured his victory with a birdie on the final hole in 2024, finishing at 17-under. The 2024 tournament featured an $8.1 million purse, with Vegas taking home the winner's share of $1.458 million.

With the stakes high and FedExCup points on the line in this penultimate regular-season event, players will be pushing hard for a strong finish. The stage is set for a captivating Sunday at the 3M Open, where TPC Twin Cities is ready to live up to its reputation for dramatic, down-to-the-wire finishes. Coverage begins at 1 PM ET on Golf Channel, switching to CBS from 3 PM ET.

MinneapoliMedia