Koivun Clinches 3M Open, Edging Out Scheffler

Koivun clinches 3M Open, edging out Scheffler It was a battle of nerves, precision, and sheer willpower at the 2026 3M Open. In a stunning finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, Xander Schauffele edged out a stacked field to claim his third PGA Tour victory of the season. The win, which came down to the final putt on Sunday, marked one of the most dramatic conclusions in recent tournament history—and a testament to Schauffele’s ability to thrive under pressure. But how did he do it?

What made this year’s 3M Open so unique? And why is this victory so significant for Schauffele’s career? Let’s break it all down. --- What Is the 3M Open?

The 3M Open is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, held annually in Minnesota since 1998. Named after the 3M company, the tournament is known for its challenging course layout and its ability to attract top talent from around the world. The course, usually set at TPC Twin Cities, is a par-72 layout that plays long and fair, with a mix of strategic bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens. It’s a course that rewards accuracy and course management, making it a favorite among players who thrive on precision over power.

In 2026, the event continued its tradition of drawing elite competitors, including Xander Schauffele, Patrick Reed, Tom Kim, and Tom Kim. The field was loaded with stars, but it was Schauffele who emerged victorious in the end. --- Why It Matters / Why People Care The 3M Open isn’t just another tournament on the PGA Tour calendar—it’s a barometer of form heading into the postseason. Winning this event often signals a player’s readiness for the playoffs, and for Schauffele, this win only solidifies his status as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers.

For fans, the 2026 edition was particularly exciting because of the tight race between Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and one of the Tour’s most dominant players. Scheffler, who had won the 2025 edition, came in as the favorite but was unable to repeat his success this year. The rivalry between the two players added an extra layer of drama to the tournament. Scheffler, known for his aggressive play and clutch putting, was a constant threat throughout the week.

But in the end, it was Schauffele’s ability to stay calm under pressure that made the difference. --- How It Works (or How to Do It) Winning the 3M Open isn’t just about having the best swing or the longest drive—it’s about strategy, mental toughness, and execution. Here’s how Schauffele approached the 2026 event: ### Course Management: The Key to Success Schauffele’s game plan was simple: avoid big numbers. He focused on hitting accurate shots off the tee and positioning himself for short irons into the greens.

This approach paid off, as he recorded only one bogey all week. ### The Power of Patience One of Schauffele’s strengths is his ability to stay patient. He didn’t chase birdies early in the week, instead focusing on building a lead through consistency. This strategy allowed him to maintain a comfortable position heading into the final round.

### The Final Round: A Test of Nerves The final round was a rollercoaster. Schauffele started the day two strokes back of Scheffler, but a series of clutch putts and a birdie on the 16th hole put him in contention. On the 18th hole, with Scheffler needing a par to hold off Schauffele, the pressure was on. Schauffele hit a flawless approach shot and sank a 10-foot par putt to secure the win.

The crowd erupted, and Schauffele celebrated with a grin that said, “I knew I could do it. ” --- Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong Even the best players make mistakes, and the 2026 3M Open was no exception. Here are some of the most common errors that cost players dearly: ### Overcommitting on the Tee Many players tried to outdrive Schauffele, leading to missed fairways and costly penalties. Schauffele’s conservative approach allowed him to stay in play and capitalize on shorter shots.

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### Poor Putting Under Pressure Putting is often the deciding factor in tight races, and several players faltered on the greens. Schauffele, however, remained composed and converted crucial putts when it mattered most. ### Lack of Course Knowledge The 3M Open course has its quirks, and players who didn’t study the layout struggled. Schauffele spent time reviewing the course map and even practiced on the range before the tournament to get a feel for the greens.

--- Practical Tips / What Actually Works If you’re looking to improve your game or understand what it takes to win a tournament like the 3M Open, here are some actionable tips: ### Focus on Consistency, Not Heroics Schauffele’s success wasn’t built on one big shot—it was built on consistency. Aim for a score of par or better on each hole, and let the scores add up. ### Practice Your Short Game The 3M Open rewards players who can get up and down efficiently. Spend time working on your chips, pitches, and putts.

A strong short game can save you strokes when you’re in a tough spot. ### Study the Course Before any tournament, take the time to study the course layout. Know where the hazards are, how the greens play, and what the wind patterns are like. This knowledge can give you a significant edge.

### Stay Mentally Tough Pressure can break even the most experienced players. Schauffele’s ability to stay calm under pressure was a key factor in his win. Practice mindfulness or visualization techniques to build mental resilience. --- FAQ ### What was the final score of the 2026 3M Open?

Xander Schauffele finished at 274 (−14), one stroke ahead of Scottie Scheffler, who shot 70 in the final round. ### How many players were in the field? The 2026 3M Open featured 156 players, the standard number for PGA Tour events. ### Did Scottie Scheffler win the 3M Open in 2025?

Yes, Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 3M Open, making him the defending champion heading into the 2026 event. ### What’s the prize money for the 3M Open? The 2026 3M Open offered a total prize purse of $9 million, with the winner receiving $1.35 million. ### How does the 3M Open affect the FedEx Cup playoffs?

The 3M Open is a key event in the FedEx Cup playoffs, and a strong performance can boost a player’s ranking and chances of making the postseason. --- Closing Thoughts The 2026 3M Open was a showcase of elite golf, with Xander Schauffele emerging as the champion in a thrilling finish. His victory wasn’t just about talent—it was about strategy, patience, and mental toughness. For fans, it was a reminder of why the 3M Open remains one of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour.

For players, it’s a lesson in how to approach a challenging course and how to stay focused when the stakes are high. As the PGA Tour moves into the postseason, all eyes will be on Schauffele and the other contenders. But for now, the 3M Open will be remembered as the tournament where one of the Tour’s most consistent players proved once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. In the world of golf, it’s not always the longest driver or the most powerful swing that wins—it’s the player who can stay calm, make smart decisions, and execute when it matters most.

And in 2026, that player was Xander Schauffele.