BLAINE, Minn. — Kevin Kisner is quietly making a notable return to competitive golf during the 3M Open, balancing his time between playing and working as a broadcaster. After a difficult stretch marked by nine consecutive missed cuts this season, Kisner showed renewed form with a 4-under 67 at TPC Twin Cities, signaling a potential turning point in his 2024 season.
Kisner’s recent performance at the 3M Open follows a strong showing at the ISCO Championship, where he notched his first top-10 finish since December 2022 and managed to make the cut for only the second time this year. While his dual role as player and commentator might seem unusual, it has injected a fresh perspective into his career during this uncertain phase.
From Dodging a Bat to Finding a New Putting Grip
Kisner’s off-course moments have captured as much attention as his play on the course. During NBC’s coverage of The Open Championship, he famously ducked mid-broadcast from a bat that swooped into the workspace, a clip that quickly spread online and highlighted his candid and humorous personality.
“I still can’t get over that people were making fun of me for that,”
Kisner said with a grin.
“I was making fun of Dan (Hicks), who reacted in the weirdest way ever, while I was just hiding from the bat – what you should do because they have rabies. People were saying I’m not an outdoorsman. I was like, actually, I’m showing you how much smarter I am than most people by hiding from it.”
—Kevin Kisner, Golfer and Broadcaster
Meanwhile, on the green, Kisner credits a spontaneous change in his putting technique for helping turn his round around at the 3M Open. He switched to a claw grip on the putter – a move he isn’t sure exactly why it works but enjoys the feel of it.
“I don’t know why it works, but it feels nice,”
Kisner explained.
Shedding Pressure to Rediscover Motivation
Despite his previous struggles, Kisner revealed that removing self-imposed pressure has been key to his recent success. He is currently playing on a career money exemption, which allows him to maintain status on tour despite not meeting recent performance benchmarks. This safety net provides him the freedom to focus on enjoying golf without the urgent pressure that other players feel.
“I really just wanted to come back and show myself that I could still do it,”
Kisner said.
“The last few weeks have showed me that I can. I just want to get in the hunt one more time.”
—Kevin Kisner, Golfer and Broadcaster
Kisner acknowledges that chasing a spot in the FedExCup Playoffs this season is unlikely. Instead, he balances competing with preparing for his expanding role as a TV analyst, having already committed to help call the Playoffs for NBC. This dual focus lightens the emotional stakes and helps keep his game relaxed and competitive.
“I see the stress the other guys have with the Playoffs looming,”
he said.
“Me? I’m just playing for myself. If I play well, great. If not, I’ll be in the booth calling it and loving that, too.”
—Kevin Kisner, Golfer and Broadcaster
Chasing One More Memorable Victory
While Kisner isn’t pursuing a complete career revival, his recent form indicates he still has plenty to offer on the course. His last PGA Tour win came at the 2021 Wyndham Championship, and he candidly admits this stage of his career is more about savoring the moments where his game comes together well rather than seeking a transformation. Still, the drive to compete remains sharp.
“I just want to get in the hunt one more time,”
he reiterated, emphasizing the genuine desire to experience that feeling again.
Kisner’s ability to navigate a hybrid role of competitor and commentator reflects a evolving career path, one where every strong round feels like a bonus rather than an expectation. His recent weeks in Minnesota, marked by a hot putter and a relaxed mindset, suggest there may still be chapters left to write in his golfing journey. Above all, he appears grateful for this balance and the humor he brings both on and off the course.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Kisner ever won?
A. Besides winning in 2021, Kisner also shared third place in 2020 and eighth in 2014 at Sedgefield. His 2021 win is memorable for the intense six-way playoff that decided the winner.