3M Open 2026
Overview
Dates: July 23, 2026 to July 26, 2026
Location: Blaine, Minnesota
Course: TPC Twin Cities
Course Par: 71
Course Length: 7431
Prize Purse: $8800000
Last Weeks Review:
It’s easy to reflect now and note that Ryan Fox, priced at 100/1, was the sixth man in our Open analysis before we trimmed the list to five picks. That decision only adds to the frustration of a season that has failed to deliver after four years of stellar returns.
The struggles of Matthew Fitzpatrick and Wyndham Clark were particularly baffling. Fitzpatrick’s inability to spark was surprising given his victory at Hilton Head earlier this year — a course whose playing characteristics strongly mirror Royal Birkdale. Clark, meanwhile, never found the rhythm that has made him one of the form players of 2026.
Of our selections, only the ever‑reliable Russell Henley managed to contend, finishing T9, just two shots shy of returning revenue.
The week, however, belonged to Ryan Fox, who etched his name into history as only the second New Zealander to win The Open, following Sir Bob Charles in 1963. In fact, New Zealand’s major champions remain a select group: Charles, Fox, Michael Campbell (2005 U.S. Open), and the phenomenal Lydia Ko, who has multiple LPGA majors to her name.
Preview
Tournament Overview
Dates: July 23–26, 2026
Venue: TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota
Field: 144 players, including 53 of the world’s top 125 and representation from 21 countries
Defending Champion: Kurt Kitayama (2025, −23)
FedExCup Points: 500 to the winner
Purse & Rewards
Total Purse: $8.8 million
Winner’s Share: $1.584 million
FedExCup Points: 500
OWGR Points: 45
Course Characteristics — TPC Twin Cities
Par: 71
Yardage: 7,431 yards
Architects: Arnold Palmer with Tom Lehman consulting
Style: Modern Midwest target‑golf layout with prairie framing and water hazards
Defences:
Water in play on 15 holes
72 bunkers
Rough: Kentucky bluegrass/fescue at ~4 inches
Signature Holes:
Par‑4 17th “Tom’s Thumb” — risk‑reward drivable hole
Par‑5 18th — dramatic finisher with water guarding both drive and approach
Previous Winners
2025: Kurt Kitayama (−23)
2024: Jhonattan Vegas (−17)
2023: Lee Hodges (−24, tournament record)
2022: Tony Finau (−17)
2021: Cameron Champ (−15)
2020: Michael Thompson (−19)
2019: Matthew Wolff (−21, inaugural champion)
In the 2026 field: Kitayama, Finau, Hodges, Champ, and Vegas all return, giving the event a strong historical narrative.
Birdie runs are common in calm conditions, but wind can quickly turn scoring volatile.
Notable Entrants
World No. 1: Scottie Scheffler (first 3M Open appearance)
Major Champions: Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day, Gary Woodland, Brian Harman, Lucas Glover
Fan Favorites: Tom Kim, Max Homa, Billy Horschel, Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar
Regional Ties: Tom Hoge (Fargo native), Erik van Rooyen (University of Minnesota alum), Troy Merritt (Minnesota roots)
Conclusions:
The 2026 3M Open is shaping up as one of the most competitive editions yet. With Scheffler debuting, Kitayama defending, and multiple past champions in the field, expect low scoring but also high drama on water‑guarded closing holes. Wind off the prairie could be the deciding factor in who lifts the trophy on Sunday.