The 2025 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities presents a unique opportunity for golf fans and daily fantasy sports enthusiasts to focus on players with proven success on this course. With the PGA DFS 3M Open picks emphasizing course history, several names stand out as strong contenders to watch, especially as the FedEx Cup playoffs approach.
This year’s tournament field, although missing any of the top 15 world-ranked players, features competitors aiming to solidify their PGA Tour status, making it more competitive for those on the cusp of the top 100. The 3M Open’s rich history at Twin Cities and the course’s specific challenges allow for a data-driven look at who could come through this week.
Overview of the 2025 3M Open Field and Stakes
While none of the tournament’s entrants occupy spots in the top 15 global rankings, Maverick McNealy leads the field at 18th, followed by Sam Burns and Wyndham Clark. Much of the attention will focus on players hovering near the FedEx Cup top 100 cut-off, as the results here could be decisive for their tour cards next season. This dynamic adds a layer of intensity and drama different from previous years.
Jhonattan Vegas enters the event as the defending champion after capturing the title last year, when he ranked inside the top 10 in most strokes gained categories. Given the course’s length—over 7,400 yards—power off the tee remains an essential asset. Despite the challenges of traveling from Northern Ireland last week for the Scottish Open, the Minnesota venue’s history and layout offer several players a favorable setting to excel.
Course Profile: What Makes TPC Twin Cities Unique?
TPC Twin Cities, a par-70 layout stretching 7,431 yards with Bentgrass greens, was designed by Arnold Palmer and underwent lengthening modifications in 2018 to challenge PGA Tour-level competitors further. Despite this, the course is often regarded as one of the more straightforward tests throughout the season, thanks to its relatively generous fairways and moderate green difficulty.
Key strategies at Twin Cities rely heavily on accurate approach shots within the 175-225 yard range, as last year’s data suggests. While accuracy gains prominence, the course still benefits players able to unleash driving distance, with longer hitters often gaining an edge in positioning. Strokes gained on approach shots remain a critical statistic for players seeking to climb the leaderboard swiftly.
Players with Proven Success at the 3M Open
- Jhonattan Vegas: Winner in 2024 and runner-up in 2021, Vegas consistently combines distance and accuracy and has shown comfort on the greens at TPC Twin Cities. Despite some concerns with his putting heading into the week, his ball striking offers him a solid chance to repeat a strong performance.
- Tony Finau: The 2022 champion, Finau has never finished worse than 28th in five starts at this venue. His approach play leads his strength here, ranking fourth in total strokes gained among this week’s competitors. Sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings, Finau needs a strong result to boost his playoff chances.
- Cameron Champ: After winning in 2021 and posting top-20 finishes in subsequent outings, Champ’s length off the tee and putting proficiency rank him among the top contenders, especially in strokes gained putting, where he ranks third. With his status shifting between the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours, a solid week could improve his standing.
- Emiliano Grillo: While not a traditional favorite, Grillo’s consistency at Twin Cities is notable, particularly in strokes gained off the tee and across all facets of his game. Ranked 71st in the FedEx Cup race, a breakout event here could secure his status for the 2026 season.
Historical Winners’ Impact and Course Trends
The 3M Open, held at TPC Twin Cities since its promotion to the PGA Tour in 2019, has seen winners who often come back to find continued success. Past champions such as Jhonattan Vegas and Tony Finau have demonstrated a strong affinity for this venue. The tournament often rewards those combining power and precision, especially in approach shots and putting on relatively accessible green complexes.
Scoring typically hovers near 20-under par for the winning total, reflecting both the long yardage and the playability of the course. Players returning after recent success here often bring confidence and strategic familiarity, elements that can be decisive in tight playoff races.
Spotlight on Driving Distance and Accuracy
One of the more significant factors at the 3M Open is driving distance. Cameron Champ leads the field this week, posting multiple drives exceeding 340 yards, including a 400-yard bomb. These long tee shots position him well on TPC Twin Cities’ generous fairways, contributing to his competitive advantage.
Longest drives of the week for Cameron Champ: 400 yards, 374 yards, 370 yards, 355 yards, 354 yards, 352 yards, 351 yards, 343 yards, 343 yards, 340 yards. He’s leading the field in Driving Distance this week. Champ is T2 @RBCCanadianOpen on Golf Channel. pic.twitter.com/AWNLCuS4sY
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 8, 2025
While distance provides a clear benefit, accuracy off the tee and on approach shots remains crucial. The greens at Twin Cities are less protected than many other courses on tour, so players who can find the putting surfaces in regulation and maintain solid putting strokes typically rise to the top.
Factors Influencing PGA DFS 3M Open Picks
Historical course performance, strokes gained statistics, and current FedEx Cup standings are central to shaping PGA DFS 3M Open picks for fantasy players. Todd McGill’s selection strategy, based on DraftKings and FanDuel projections, leans heavily on this course-specific data, favoring those with repeat success or top finishes at TPC Twin Cities.
As players battle for playoff spots, this event will play a critical role in defining the final rankings. The importance of a strong week at a familiar and accommodating layout is clear for competitors like Finau, Vegas, and Champ, who, by virtue of their course history, offer compelling fantasy value.
What Lies Ahead: The Importance of the 3M Open in the Season
The 3M Open acts as a crucial juncture ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs, where securing a spot can define a player’s season and career progress. The tournament‘s position on the calendar means that performances here can be momentum changers for those contending for the Tour’s biggest prizes.
For daily fantasy players, aligning lineups with proven course performers may provide an edge. Research tools such as the PGA Research Station, Lineup Builder, and Optimizer can enhance decision-making, especially when combined with expert analysis from analysts like Joe Nicely and Spencer Aguiar.
If you read my articles @RotoBaller or listen to @TheTurnGolfPod I’ve been telling y’all it was #WinningSeason when golf came back! Shoutout to the entire @RotoBallerPGA squad and all you guys that support my work for all the ❤️ pic.twitter.com/07a4ynvbSU
— Joe Nicely
Further Resources and Tools for PGA DFS Success
Beyond course history and player statistics, practitioners of PGA DFS benefit from comprehensive coverage and detailed outlooks available in the PGA Premium package. This includes access to expert-crafted articles, matchup analysis, and advanced lineup building features that refine player selections for tournaments like the 3M Open.
The evolving landscape, from the Scottish Open’s conclusion to the pressure of maintaining tour cards, underscores the strategic importance of every stroke gained or lost at Twin Cities. Leveraging all available data and expert insights can be the difference maker for daily fantasy sports participants aiming to maximize their winnings in 2025.
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