Kohles leads 3M Open as Scheffler rebounds with putting surge

Ben Kohles has taken the early lead at the 2026 3M Open, carding a career-low 9-under 62 to sit three strokes clear of the field after Round 1 at TPC Twin Cities. The result marks a significant moment in Kohles’ season, providing a strong foundation as he navigates a critical period in the FedEx Cup standings.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finished tied for fifth at 6-under 65, narrowing the deficit to three shots. The American, who has held the top ranking for nearly 200 weeks, produced a bogey-free round that included birdie conversions from distances ranging between 10 and 30 feet. His performance on the greens represented a marked recovery from his putting struggles at The Open the previous week.

Scheffler gained more than three strokes on the field with his putter, converting key opportunities despite making five putts from outside 10 feet. He noted that the fresh greens at TPC Twin Cities offered more predictable rolls compared to the links conditions he faced earlier in the month. The world No. 1 now leads the field in Strokes Gained: Putting as he looks to maintain momentum over the remaining 54 holes.

Jackson Koivun, Gary Woodland, and Emiliano Grillo share second place at 7-under. Koivun, 21, matched his career-low round with a 64, showcasing an aggressive approach that included birdies from 41 feet and 15 feet. His performance continues a positive trend for the young player, who has been steadily improving his standing on tour.

Lucas Glover, Michael Brennan, Kevin Roy, and Jesper Svensson are also tied with Scheffler at 6-under. Kohles, who gained more than five strokes on approach, remains focused on securing a top-70 finish to keep his playoff hopes alive. With the PGA Tour season reaching its climax, the leaderboard remains tightly packed as players vie for position in both the tournament and the FedEx Cup race.