The 3M Open is underway, and it's already shaping up to be an exciting tournament. Ben Kohles took the lead with a stellar 62, leaving the top-ranked Scottie Scheffler three shots back. This is a significant development, as Scheffler has been on a roll lately, finishing fourth in the British Open just days ago.
Kohles' performance was nothing short of remarkable. He eagled the final hole, showcasing his precision and skill. This is a career-best round for the 36-year-old, who has been splitting his time between the PGA and Korn Ferry tours. It's interesting to see how he's been able to maintain his form despite the challenges of balancing multiple tours.
In a nine-hole stretch, Kohles birdied every other hole, demonstrating his consistency and ability to manage his game. This level of control is crucial in a tournament like the 3M Open, where scores tend to be low.
Speaking about his performance, Kohles said, 'I was just in control all day.' This mindset is a key differentiator for top players, as it allows them to stay calm and make calculated decisions even under pressure.
On the other hand, Scheffler had a solid start, birdies five of the next eight holes, and managed to stay in the game. He acknowledged that he didn't hit many fairways early but was able to navigate through the course without making any bogeys. This shows his adaptability and ability to bounce back from initial setbacks.
The tournament also saw strong performances from Emiliano Grillo, Jackson Koivun, and Gary Woodland, who all opened with 64s. Koivun, in particular, had a bogey-free round and a low score, which is impressive for his 13th tour start as a professional. Grillo, meanwhile, made five birdies in his first seven holes, showcasing his early-game prowess.
The 3M Open is known for its low winning scores, and with players like Kohles and Scheffler in the mix, it's anyone's game. The tournament is set to continue, and we can expect more thrilling moments and unexpected twists as the competition heats up.
