The Rundown: 2023 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities
By Derek Helm
After a two week stint overseas we head back to the United States for the 3M Open.
The 3M is played at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.
Last year Tony Finau shot in the 60s every day to shoot 17 under and win by three strokes over Emiliano Grillo and Sungjae Im. Windy conditions kept the scoring slightly in check on Thursday and Sunday.
2021 had its share of wind as well as Cam Champ won with a score of 15 under. Champ’s putter propelled him to the win as he gained 8.5 strokes putting which is the 2nd most of his career.
TPC Twin Cities is a 7,100 yard par 71 with Bentgrass greens. There are three par threes measuring over 200 yards. One of which is over 225 yards. All three par fives measure just under 600 yards. There’s one on the front nine and two par fives on the back nine including the finishing hole which plays as one of the easiest holes on the course. Taking advantage of the par fives is a must for anyone looking to contend.
There is a ton of water and some spots of knee-high rough, so accuracy, especially off the tee, is important. Luckily the fairways hit percentage is above tour average at 63 percent. Driving distance is well over tour average at 290 yards.
Long irons are relied on quite a bit here with 23% of approach shots coming from over 200 yards and another 20% coming from 175-200 yards. Despite longer approach shots, GIR percentage is quite high with 72% of greens hit. Creating scoring opportunities and hitting greens is incredibly important.
Overall, this is a fairly easy course, but there can be some blowup holes and large numbers, especially if the wind picks up. Mashing it off the tee, avoiding the trouble, and creating scoring opportunities is the key to success here.
There are 156 golfers in the field with the top 65 and ties making the cut.
2023 3M Open: The Key Stats
- Strokes Gained: Approach
- Strokes Gained: Off The Tee
- Birdies or Better
- Opportunities Gained
- Par Five Scoring
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3M Open Previous Winners
- 2022: Tony Finau -17
- 2021 Cameron Champ -15
- 2020 Michael Thompson -18
- 2019 Matthew Wolff -21
3M Open Historical Cut Line
- 2022: +2
- 2021: -1
- 2020: -1
- 2019: -2