3M Open 2026: Kitayama Eyes Back-to-Back Title Against World No. 1 Scheffler
The 2026 3M Open returns to TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, with defending champion Kurt Kitayama headlining a competitive field.
Defending Champion in Focus
Kitayama, 33, closed out the 2025 edition with a final-round 65 to edge Sam Stevens by a single stroke. That victory was his second on the PGA Tour since turning pro in 2022, joining his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational title. A win this week would mark career win No. 3.
A Loaded Field
The $8.8 million purse ($1.584M to the winner) has attracted a strong lineup:
- Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1) - Hideki Matsuyama - Tom Kim - Maverick McNealy - Sam Stevens (2025 runner-up seeking revenge)
Broadcast Schedule (ET)
| Round | Start Time | Platforms | |---|---|---| | Thursday | 7:45 AM | ESPN App, Disney+ | | Friday | 7:45 AM | ESPN App | | Saturday | 7:15 AM | ESPN App | | Sunday | 7:15 AM | ESPN App |
Strokeslab Take
TPC Twin Cities rewards precise iron play, making SG: APP a key differentiator — a category where Kitayama historically performs well. Scheffler's all-around dominance across every SG category makes him the clear favorite, but Kitayama's course history and comfort with late-round pressure cannot be ignored.
TPC Twin Cities sets up as an approach-play contest where SG: APP often decides the leaderboard — and that's where Kitayama's game fits best against an otherwise overwhelming Scheffler.
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3M Open 2026: Kitayama Eyes Back-to-Back Title Against World No. 1 Scheffler
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