Scottie Scheffler currently holds the top spot in men's professional golf, and this week he brings that ranking to a tournament he has never played before. The Scottie Scheffler 3M Open debut marks a major milestone for an event that has spent years building its reputation among the tour's biggest stars. First, consider the scale of this moment: tournament organizers pursued Scheffler for years, and his commitment finally came together this season at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. As a result, fans have already responded in a big way.
Ticket sales have jumped sharply compared to last year, and that figure doesn't even include the walk-up buyers who usually make up most of the crowd on tournament days. Meanwhile, executive director Hollis Cavner watched Scheffler tee off Tuesday from a golf cart just off the course, fully aware that this single commitment could reshape the tournament's trajectory for years to come. Furthermore, the story behind how the 3M Open secured him, what he thinks of the course, and what his presence means for the event's future all deserve a closer look. Because of that, this article breaks down every angle of the Scottie Scheffler 3M Open story, from the scheduling puzzle organizers solved to what happens next for the tournament's standing on tour.
Why the Scottie Scheffler 3M Open Commitment Matters
The 3M Open has hosted future major champions before. For instance, Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Brooks Koepka all played the event, but each did so before they won a major title. Scheffler, on the other hand, arrives already holding that status. Therefore, organizers consider his commitment the biggest the tournament has landed since its 2019 launch.
Past Notable Players at the 3M Open
The Scheduling Challenge Behind the Scottie Scheffler 3M Open Visit
The tournament schedule creates a genuine obstacle for players like Scheffler. Specifically, the 3M Open falls right after the Open Championship, the year's final major, and most top players also compete in the Genesis Scottish Open the week before that. Consequently, Scheffler faced three straight tournament weeks plus a long flight back from the UK instead of the rest period many players take after a major.
Scheffler's Stretch Run Schedule
Cavner pursued Scheffler for years, and he finally found a schedule that worked this season. He knows Scheffler's agent, Blake Smith, and he counts Scheffler's longtime coach, Randy Smith, as a close friend. As a result, Cavner learned about the commitment roughly a month before the tournament made its official announcement on May 4.
Scheffler explained his own reasoning during his Wednesday press conference. According to him, the scheduling worked well this year, since three weeks off before the playoffs didn't fit his preferred rhythm. Additionally, he'd heard good things about the tournament from other players and wanted to see it firsthand.
Scheffler's Early Days in Minnesota
Scheffler flew in on a plane the tournament arranged, and he eased into the week gradually.
Monday: He took the day off and explored downtown Minneapolis with his family.
Tuesday: He played the back nine in the afternoon.
Wednesday: He teed off at 6:40 a.m. for the pro-am alongside Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Scheffler's Course Assessment
Overall, Scheffler noted that players who stay in the fairway will find scoring opportunities on several holes. However, the rough punishes anyone who misses.
Fan Reaction to the Scottie Scheffler 3M Open Appearance
Cavner points to the tournament's family-friendly hospitality as a key factor in landing Scheffler, and similarly, Scheffler echoed that sentiment during his press conference. He called the fans unusually welcoming for a golf tournament, and he said the whole week has felt simple and easy so far. In fact, he signed autographs for the fans waiting after his Tuesday round. Ultimately, Cavner hopes Scheffler's experience convinces other top players to add the 3M Open to their own schedules in future years.
Looking Ahead: The Tournament's Future Status
Despite this week's momentum, the tournament's long-term position on tour remains unsettled. In 2028, the PGA Tour plans to introduce a new two-track system, and so far, nobody knows where the 3M Open will land within that structure. Ultimately, the outcome will directly shape the strength of future fields.
Key Takeaways
The Scottie Scheffler 3M Open debut has already lifted ticket sales by 25 to 30 percent year over year.
Tournament organizers pursued Scheffler for years before this year's schedule finally aligned.
Scheffler chose the 3M Open over a rest week, and he explained that the timing suited his preparation for the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Course conditions this week reward players who hit fairways, since thick rough and water hazards punish missed shots.
The tournament's future tier status under the PGA Tour's coming restructuring remains an open question, and it will shape the event's field strength going forward.
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