The scene at the par-4 9th hole during Scottie Scheffler’s opening round at the 3M Open was something rarely witnessed this early in the day. In the middle of a morning tee time, the gallery swelled dramatically, wrapping around the green in a horseshoe of fans that rivaled typical final-round crowds. This surge of spectators created a pressure-cooker atmosphere few players encounter so early, yet Scheffler remained unfazed.
That moment on the 9th hole was more than just a crowd spectacle — it was a turning point in Scheffler’s round that highlighted his composure under pressure and helped fuel his bogey-free 65, a six-under-par score that put him in immediate contention at TPC Twin Cities.
Massive Crowd Energy Sparks Momentum
From the outset, Scheffler drew a large gallery that only grew as he moved through the course. The enthusiasm was palpable, especially at the 9th hole, where the number of fans closely rivaled what the tournament usually reserves for Sunday’s final pairing. The swelling crowd was a clear sign of Minnesota’s excitement to host the World No. 1 player and reflected a significant jump in ticket sales since his commitment to the event.
Security officers and tournament officials alike found themselves swept up in the buzz. One official even leveraged his position to join Scheffler’s group, becoming a popular figure as fans clamored for photos next to the player’s name on the walking leaderboard sign. This scene underscored the strong local support and how Scheffler’s presence has energized the event.
Putting the Pieces Together After a Rocky Stretch
Scheffler’s putting, which had been a source of frustration during the recent Open Championship, steadied considerably during this round. He led the field in Strokes Gained: Putting, sinking more than 130 feet of putts and making birdies on crucial holes that kept his momentum rolling.
He narrowly missed a 7-footer for birdie on the 10th hole, but from that point on, he did not miss a single putt inside that range. Notably, a 28-foot birdie on the par-3 4th hole exemplified his improved touch and poise on the greens. This reversal from his previous struggles was a critical factor in his flawless, bogey-free scorecard.
Embracing Local Culture and Fan Connection
Beyond his performance, Scheffler’s approachability off the course has endeared him to Minnesota fans. He made a point to visit a Minneapolis coffee shop with his family early in the week and took time to sign autographs after practice rounds, embodying the friendly spirit known locally as "Minnesota Nice." Fans appreciated this genuine engagement, creating a strong bond between the player and the community.
His warm interactions, combined with his on-course excellence, have helped turn the 3M Open into a must-watch event this week, attracting crowds eager to see the World No. 1 in action.
Scottie Scheffler 3M Open 2026 Round 1: A Foundation for What’s Next
Starting his debut at a course he had never played before, Scheffler’s preparation was limited to just two days and 18 holes of practice. Yet his ability to hit 10 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation demonstrated a quick adaptation to TPC Twin Cities.
His early round strategy focused on course management, avoiding bogeys even when fairway misses occurred. As his round progressed, hitting more fairways gave him better birdie opportunities, which he capitalized on with six total birdies.
This early surge and the electrifying crowd atmosphere could prove to be a crucial psychological edge as the tournament moves forward. Scheffler's blend of calm under pressure and fan engagement sets the stage for a week where expectations as the top-ranked player are sky high.
As reported by All The Golf, Scheffler reflected on his improved putting and crowd support: "It was a lot of fun. 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. The crowd support for all three of us in the group today was really nice." This balance of skill and composure may well be the key to his success in the coming rounds.
What to Watch Next
With a late tee time on Friday, Scheffler will face fresh greens and the pressure of maintaining his momentum. His performance on this day-two afternoon slot could reveal whether the confidence and crowd energy from round one translate into sustained contention. Keeping up the steady putting and managing course challenges will be essential as he seeks to convert this promising start into a strong finish.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Scheffler’s early surge at the 3M Open can carry him through to the weekend and beyond.
What this means is that a player’s ability to handle early crowd pressure and quickly adapt to an unfamiliar course environment can be a decisive factor in setting the tone for a tournament. Scheffler’s round shows how mental toughness, combined with technical adjustments—especially in putting—can flip previous struggles into a confident performance. For a broader view, explore our coverage of PGA Tour news and results.
Source: as reported by All The Golf
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