3M Open Heats Up: Thorbjorn Olesen Takes Lead Heading Into Weekend

As the PGA Tour heads into the weekend at the 3M Open, the stakes couldn’t be higher for golfers looking to secure their spot in the upcoming FedEx Cup Playoffs. With plenty of prize money and critical FedEx Cup points on the line, players are jockeying for position as they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling finish.

Thorbjorn Olesen: A Leader to Watch

Leading the competition is Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen, who has made headlines by posting a remarkable 14-under-par total. This marks his first-ever 36-hole lead on the PGA Tour. Olesen, an eight-time winner on the DP World Tour, is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory, creating a compelling narrative as he eyes the top prize at TPC Twin Cities.

Close Contenders in the Chase

Trailing closely behind Olesen is American golfer Jake Knapp, who is just one shot off the lead. The competitive landscape intensifies with Pierceson Coody and Sam Stevens sharing a score of 12-under-par. Not far behind is Matti Schmid, who stands at 11-under-par, setting the stage for an exciting showdown this weekend. With 18 players within four shots of Olesen, it’s shaping up to be a nail-biting conclusion.

Notable Absences from the Weekend

Despite the excitement at the top, the 3M Open also saw many notable players fail to make the weekend cut. The cutline was set at five-under-par, ensuring that several big names will be watching from the sidelines as the final rounds unfold. This highlights the competitive nature of the PGA Tour and the ever-shifting dynamics in golf.

Haotong Li: A Disappointing Exit

Chinese golfer Haotong Li faces disappointment after a strong performance at The Open Championship, where he finished T4. His momentum seems to have faded as he carded a one-under 70 in the first round but could only manage a three-under 68 in round two. This marked Li’s second cut missed in just three weeks, following a weak showing at the Genesis Scottish Open.

Keith Mitchell: Just Short of the Cut

Keith Mitchell entered the 3M Open sitting in 73rd place in the FedEx Cup standings, only three spots away from the coveted top 70 that would allow him to advance to the playoffs. After a promising start with a three-under 68, Mitchell’s performance faltered on Friday, ultimately resulting in a missed cut by two strokes.

Byeong Hun An: Another Heartbreaker

Byeong Hun An, a South Korean golfer, also suffered a setback by missing the cut at the 3M Open. He finished with two-under rounds of 69 and 70, putting him two strokes shy of making it to the weekend. This failure to qualify for the weekend marks the seventh time in 2025 that he has missed a cut.

Struggles for Rising Stars

Young talent Sahith Theegala has faced a tough road back after injury problems that kept him off the course for six weeks. His decision to return at The Open didn’t pay off as he missed the cut there and continued his struggle at the 3M Open. After rounds of 72 and 68, Theegala finds himself out of contention as well.

Davis Thompson: Seeking Redemption

Davis Thompson, currently positioned 74th in the FedEx Cup standings, shares similar misfortune with fellow competitors. Despite a strong start at two-under 69, a level-par 71 on Friday ensured he too would miss the cut, extending his cut-missing streak to eight events this year.

Maverick McNealy: Consistency Amid Challenges

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Maverick McNealy has shown remarkable consistency this season. However, a pair of 71s at the 3M Open meant he missed only his fourth cut of the year. Currently sitting 11th in the FedEx Cup standings, McNealy is poised to make the playoffs, needing only a strong finish to solidify his position.

Sungjae Im and Beau Hossler: Both Fail to Impress

Sungjae Im and Beau Hossler also faced challenges at the tournament, with each player finishing level-par. Im’s back-to-back rounds of 71 meant he was five strokes below the cutline, marking his fourth missed cut in seven starts. Meanwhile, hossler ended his campaign at three over par, putting him in a precarious position at 95th in the FedEx Cup standings.

Tony Finau: A Disappointing Finish

Finally, Tony Finau, considered one of the bigger names in the field, had a mixed outing at the 3M Open. After a promising two-under 69 on Thursday, his second-round performance faltered dramatically as he carded a six-over 77, including an unfortunate mix of birdies, bogeys, and doubles. Currently sitting 61st in the FedEx standings, Finau will need to rally for a strong finish as the playoffs approach.

Conclusion: An Exciting Finish Awaits

As we gear up for the final rounds at the 3M Open, all eyes will be on Thorbjorn Olesen and the tight pack of challengers behind him. With FedEx Cup points and prestige on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s Olesen’s breakthrough moment or a dramatic comeback from one of the contenders, the weekend promises to deliver excitement and drama as players vie for their spot in the upcoming playoffs.

Stay tuned as we bring you all the action leading up to the thrilling conclusion of the 3M Open!