3M Open 2024: Top 5 picks to win at TPC Twin Cities

2) Akshay Bhatia

I highlighted Bhatia as a player to look out for in last week's Open Championship, but he blundered at Royal Troon. It was a week to forget about for the 22-year-old, as he missed the cut by a stroke. The missed cut may have been a blessing in disguise, however, as players were forced to navigate and labor the brutal weekend conditions. Perhaps a weekend off could rejuvenate the young American.

Before that MC, Bhatia was in tremendous form, posting consecutive finishes of T22-T16-T5-T2. In the latter two starts, he gained nearly three strokes in total.

Akshay is an incredible ball striker, and like Theegala and Clanton, has an illustrious career ahead of him. He three-putted to miss out on a playoff at the Rocket Mortgage Classic (Detroit Golf Club) in his last start in the States, which is sure to leave a bitter taste in his mouth. There tends to be a strong correlation across Midwest courses, and players who thrive at events like the Rocket Mortgage, tend to do well at similar venues.

Expect Bhatia to be in contention on Sunday at the 3M Open.