Blaine: Jackson Koivun takes three-shot lead into 3M Open final round

By Bilal Ahmed

By Bilal Ahmed — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Koivun’s Dominant Performance at TPC Twin Cities

Jackson Koivun has established a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the 3M Open, following a strong performance at TPC Twin Cities. The 21-year-old, who recently turned professional, delivered a 10-under 61 in the third round on Saturday, bringing his tournament total to 20-under par. This round included a notable eagle-three on the par-5 18th hole, contributing to a back-nine score of 28, which is a new 3M Open record.

Koivun’s impressive play marks him as the youngest player this season to hold a 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour. He is now poised to contend for his first PGA Tour victory. His bogey-free round also featured an eagle 3 on the 12th hole. Koivun expressed confidence, stating that he plans to stick to his game plan and try to smile, despite the challenge ahead.

The tournament scoring record currently stands at 24-under par. To set a new benchmark at TPC Twin Cities, Koivun would need to shoot 66 or better in the final round.

Challengers and Scottie Scheffler’s Surge

Behind Koivun, Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles are the closest competitors, both at 17-under par. Michael Brennan and Chandler Phillips are also in contention, tied for fourth place at 16-under par. Grillo and Kohles each posted bogey-free rounds of 65 on Saturday. Grillo, like Koivun, eagled the 18th hole, while Kohles, who was the first-round leader, recorded three birdies on both the front and back nine.

Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, made a late charge in his third round to maintain a chance at victory. Scheffler finished his round with a back-nine 29, which included an eagle-two on the par-4 16th, to card a 7-under 64. This brought him to 14-under par for the tournament. Despite being six shots off the lead, Scheffler will aim for a low score on Sunday to pursue his second title of the season and his 21st career PGA Tour win. This is Scheffler’s first appearance at the 3M Open and his first visit to Minnesota.

Final Round Tee Times and Expectations

The final round of the 3M Open is scheduled for Sunday, July 26. Jackson Koivun will tee off in the final pairing alongside Emiliano Grillo at 12:40 PM CDT. The penultimate pairing, featuring Ben Kohles and Michael Brennan, is set to tee off at 12:30 PM CDT. Scottie Scheffler will begin his round earlier, at 11:50 AM CDT, playing alongside Brian Harman.

Koivun, a former No. 1 amateur in the world and a two-time winner of the Jack Nicklaus Award, has shown early promise in his professional career. He previously led Auburn to a team title and set an NCAA record for stroke average. His performance at the 3M Open demonstrates his capability to handle the transition to the professional tour.

The course at TPC Twin Cities is known for its potential for low scores but also for challenging final-round leads. Koivun acknowledged the test ahead, noting that some pin placements will be difficult and that many strong players are behind him. He remains focused on his strategy for the final day.

The tee times for the final round on Sunday, July 26, are all local times.

Source: golfmagic.com