Scottie Scheffler quickly put his recent putting difficulties at the Open behind him when he returned to PGA Tour competition on Thursday, posting an impressive six‑under‑par 65 at the 3M Open. The four‑time major champion positioned himself just three strokes behind overnight leader Ben Kohles, who capped his round with a dramatic eagle on the final hole to finish at 62. Trailing slightly were Emiliano Grillo, Jackson Koivuniemi and Gary Woodland, each sitting at seven under par, a single shot ahead of Scheffler. World No.
1 Scheffler had a rapid turnaround after a tied‑fourth finish at Royal Birkdale the previous Sunday. He began his first round at TPC Twin Cities on the back nine, initially playing a touch slower than his usual tempo. He managed a birdie on the 12th hole and added another on the 18th, despite missing the green with his approach shot. Those two birdies set the tone for a run of solid play that would carry him through the day.
From the 1st tee, Scheffler found a surge of momentum. He recorded a birdie on the opening hole even though his ball missed the green, demonstrating his ability to recover and make putts from off‑green positions. He continued the streak with birdies on the 4th, 6th, and 7th holes, each time showing confidence in his short game and a willingness to attack the pins.
Although he fell short of an eagle on the 6th and missed a 15‑foot birdie putt on the 14th, his overall performance with the putter was strong enough to place him second in the field for strokes‑gained putting on Thursday afternoon. "Fresh greens are a little bit easier than links greens," Scheffler explained after his round. "Part of playing links golf is the ball's not going to roll true every single time." He reflected on his recent struggles, noting that the previous week he felt "on the wrong end of that" and that his recent success was the result of careful alignment and a focus on hitting the ball along his intended line.
Scheffler also admitted that predicting a good putting day is challenging. "Golf's funny. Some days you're hitting your lines and the line seems to be tracking toward the hole and other days it feels like you're doing the same thing and it kind of goes around the hole. But today was a day in which I was able to hole some nice putts and that's why I was able to make some birdies out there," he said.
His comments underscore the unpredictable nature of putting, especially when transitioning from the firm, rolling conditions of links courses to the softer, more manicured surfaces found on many American courses. Beyond Scheffler, other players made notable moves on Thursday. England's Jordan Smith, who impressed with a tied‑18th finish at Royal Birkdale last week, returned to the PGA Tour and experienced a mixed start.
He double‑bogeyed the 5th after three‑putting, but quickly rebounded with a birdie on the 6th. A wayward tee shot on the 7th landed in a water hazard, resulting in a double bogey that threatened his momentum. However, Smith showed resilience on the back nine, birdieing the 13th and 17th holes to finish the round at even par.
The 3M Open continues to attract attention as the tournament schedule for PGA Tour 2026 unfolds. Fans can stream the event without a contract, and live coverage is available on Sky Sports Golf starting at 9 p.m. on Friday.
The tournament showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, offering a compelling narrative as players adjust to the unique challenges of the Twin Cities course. Scheffler's performance also highlights the broader theme of adaptation in professional golf.
After a disappointing putting display at a major championship, he demonstrated how quickly a top‑level player can recalibrate technique, mental focus, and course strategy to rebound. His ability to generate birdies despite missing greens on several holes speaks to his proficiency with the short game and his confidence in reading greens. Looking ahead, Scheffler's position three strokes behind the leader keeps him within striking distance, and his strong start suggests he could mount a serious challenge as the tournament progresses.
With the leaderboard tightly packed—Grillo, Koivuniemi, and Woodland just a shot ahead—any misstep could shift the dynamics dramatically. The upcoming rounds will test each player's consistency, strategic decision‑making, and, of course, their putting under pressure. For viewers, the 3M Open offers more than just competition; it provides insight into the mental resilience required at the highest level of golf. Scheffler's candid remarks about his recent struggles and his methodical approach to regaining confidence serve as a valuable case study for aspiring players and fans alike.
As the tournament moves forward, all eyes will be on whether Scheffler can sustain his momentum and possibly claim the top spot, or if another contender will surge ahead in the final stretch.