GOLF.com: Scheffler Fires 65 in 3M Open Debut, Putting Sparks Fast Start

Scottie Scheffler made his debut at TPC Twin Cities a memorable one, carding a bogey-free 65 (-6) in the opening round of the 3M Open. The performance marked a sharp rebound from a shaky putter at The Open Championship the prior week, where he still finished T4.

Putting Rebounds Sharply

Scheffler ranked 2nd in SG: Putting for the round, draining over 130 feet of putts in total. After discussing the "ebbs and flows" of putting at his pre-tournament presser, Thursday offered a clear upswing: he converted a 28-footer on the par-3 4th and didn't miss a putt inside seven feet after his opening hole.

Tee-to-Green Metrics

- Fairways Hit: 10/14 (shaky early, steadied late) - GIR: 15/18 - Birdies: 6 | Bogeys: 0

For a player tackling the course for the first time with only two prep days, a 15/18 GIR is efficient ball-striking. Scheffler noted that scrambling without dropping shots early helped him maintain momentum before his iron play clicked.

Leaderboard Context

Ben Kohles fired a stunning 62 (-9) in the afternoon wave to take the outright first-round lead. Scheffler sits two back and faces a late tee time Friday (1:44 p.m. ET), meaning he'll play worn greens relative to his morning slot Thursday.

Strokeslab Take

The 3M Open historically rewards low scoring, and a -6 opener is solid but not yet dominant. The key data point to track: whether Thursday's SG: Putting performance represents a true reset or a one-day variance after the links putter struggles.