2021 3M Open: Top 10 power rankings at TPC Twin Cities

4 of 11

Jul 7, 2019; Blaine, MN, USA; Troy Merritt tees off at the 2nd hole during the final round of the 3M Championship golf tournament at TPC Twin Cities. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

We start out the top 10 with a little local flavor. Troy Merritt grew up just a few miles down the road from Blaine in fellow Twin Cities suburb, Spring Lake Park.

Merritt rode some home cooking to contend for the title and post T-7th (70-64-66-68) at the 2019 3M Open. The former Boise State Bronco missed the cut in 2020, but will now have the galleries back to support him after they were not allowed on site a year ago due to COVID-19 protocols.

Just don’t tell the Gopher faithful that Osage, Iowa, born Merritt, is actually a Hawkeyes fan.

Merritt said he played TPC Twin Cities between six-10 times growing up in the area.

Being the hometown hero isn’t his only credential.

Merritt was oh so close to winning his third career PGA Tour event a few weeks ago at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He succumbed to Cam Davis on the fifth playoff hole, resulting in T-2nd.

It was his fourth top-10 of 2021, all of which have come since May.

“Yeah, it’s been a nice couple two months, four top-10s, now nice finish this week,” Merritt was transcribed by Tee Scripts after Detroit. “I just hope for that win we’re knocking on the door for.”

Merritt ranks 44th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting (.32). He’s also 32nd in approach proximity from 175-200 yards (32’1”).

We could also see him pull off theatrics vying for the win. Merritt is No. 1 in hole-outs with 22 this season and 17th in total eagles (11).

Home/Golf Power Rankings