Scottie Scheffler Brings Star Power and Hot Putter to TPC Twin Cities Debut

When the World's Best Shows Up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

There's something genuinely thrilling about watching a venue transform when greatness walks its fairways. TPC Twin Cities has hosted memorable 3M Opens before, but Thursday morning in Blaine felt different—the kind of electric atmosphere that crackles through the humid Minnesota air when Scottie Scheffler is in town.

The World No. 1's surprise debut at the 3M Open wasn't just a scheduling curiosity. It was a gift to a tournament that has been building its identity on the PGA Tour calendar, and the fans of Minnesota responded with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you understand why players keep coming back to certain stops.

A 7:29 a.m. Tee Time That Felt Like Sunday Afternoon

Dawn tee times rarely generate buzz. Most galleries are still searching for their first coffee when the early groups push off. But Scheffler's opening tee shot drew a crowd that only swelled as morning turned to midday. By the time he reached the par-4 9th hole—his finishing hole of the day—the horseshoe of spectators packed around the green rivaled what you'd expect for the tournament's dramatic conclusion on Sunday.

Security officers jockeyed for position to walk with Scheffler's group. The walking standard bearer became an unlikely celebrity, with fans queuing for photos next to the sign bearing the world's most dominant golfer's name. This is what star power does to a tournament venue—it transforms routine Thursday golf into must-see theater.

The Putter Awakens

If you watched Scheffler's Open Championship last week, you witnessed a putter that seemed intent on sabotage. The links greens at Royal Troon proved unpredictable, and despite his immense ball-striking, a balky flat stick left him settling for fourth place. On Wednesday, Scheffler spoke candidly about the "ebbs and flows" of putting, emphasizing start line and accepting the uncertainty that fast, undulating surfaces bring.

Thursday at TPC Twin Cities told a different story entirely. Scheffler finished second in Strokes Gained: Putting for the round, draining more than 130 feet of putts en route to a bogey-free, six-under 65. Six birdies, zero mistakes—the kind of clinical performance that reminds you why he sits atop the world rankings.

Minnesota Nice Meets World No. 1 Humility

What struck me most about Scheffler's arrival in Minnesota wasn't the golf—it was everything around it. On Monday, he took his family downtown to a local coffee shop, the kind of unassuming move that Minnesotans absolutely adore. We take our small businesses seriously here, and seeing golf's biggest name stimulate the urban economy? That plays well.

After Tuesday's practice round, Scheffler signed every autograph. On Wednesday, he complimented fans who approached him—and when some recognized him during his family outing and asked for photos, his polite decline was met with genuine understanding.

"They didn't make a face," Scheffler recalled. "They were kind of like, 'No, no, I totally understand, thanks for being here.' I was kind of taken back by how nice people have been so far."

Minnesota Nice isn't just a tagline. It's a way of life that Scheffler seems to genuinely appreciate.

What His Presence Means for the 3M Open

Ticket sales have skyrocketed year-over-year, and it's not difficult to understand why. When the game's premier player commits to your event, everything elevates. The atmosphere intensifies. The broadcast interest swells. The tournament itself gains credibility in the endless competition for PGA Tour relevance.

Ben Kohles ultimately claimed the first-round lead with a stunning afternoon 62, but make no mistake—the story of Thursday at TPC Twin Cities was Scheffler's arrival and the energy it injected into every corner of the property.

"It was a lot of fun," Scheffler said simply. "It was a really good crowd this morning, especially for an early tee time. It's always fun getting to play in front of so many people."

Key Takeaways

• Scheffler's bogey-free 65 put him in early clubhouse lead before Kohles' 62 took over
• Putter transformation: Second in Strokes Gained: Putting after Open Championship struggles
• Gallery atmosphere: His finishing hole drew crowds rivaling Sunday final-pairing scenes
• Tournament impact: His debut has driven significant year-over-year ticket sales increases