The 2025 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities has delivered an electrifying start, with the first-round leaderboard setting up a weekend of high-stakes drama. Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas remains in contention, while rising stars and seasoned veterans battle for FedEx Cup positioning.
Friday’s tee times promise thrilling matchups, including marquee pairings featuring Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler. With live coverage on Golf Channel and ESPN+, golf fans won’t miss a moment of the action as players fight to make the cut at this pivotal PGA Tour event.
- Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas leads the charge at the 2025 3M Open, with top contenders like Tony Finau and Ludvig Åberg closely trailing after Round 1 at TPC Twin Cities.
- Friday’s tee times feature key groupings, including Finau-Homa (7:40 AM local time) and Kim-Young (12:45 PM), with Golf Channel coverage starting at 4 PM ET.
- FedEx Cup bubble players like Adam Hadwin and Mark Hubbard face pressure to perform, needing strong finishes to secure playoff spots with only two events remaining.
- Betting odds shifted dramatically after Round 1, with Vegas’ odds improving to +900 and Finau slipping to +2500 after an even-par start.
2025 3M Open Leaderboard: Top Players Emerge After Round 1 at TPC Twin Cities
The opening round of the 2025 3M Open delivered fireworks at TPC Twin Cities, with defending champion Jhonattan Vegas carding a 6-under 65 to sit two strokes behind surprise leader Brandon Wu (-8). The course played generously under calm morning conditions, yielding 43 sub-par rounds from the 156-player field. Wu’s bogey-free 63 matched the tournament’s first-round scoring record, last achieved by Scott Stallings in 2020.
Notable performances include:
- Tony Finau scrambling to a 4-under 67 despite hitting just 9 greens
- Max Homa’s rollercoaster 68 featuring 7 birdies and 3 bogeys
- Sahith Theegala’s back-nine 30 catapulting him into T3

Surprise Packages and Underwhelming Starts
While most eyes were on pre-tournament favorites, Canadian Taylor Pendrith stunned spectators by gaining 4.7 strokes off the tee – the day’s best driving performance. Conversely, Cameron Young’s (+4000) struggles continued with a disappointing 73, marking his fourth straight over-par opening round on Tour.
Critical Friday Tee Times: Must-Watch Groups for Round 2
Friday’s pairings offer compelling storylines as players battle to make the projected -2 cut line. The marquee 12:45 PM CDT group features Vegas alongside rising stars Min Woo Lee and Tom Kim, all within three strokes of the lead. Early risers should watch the 7:15 AM pairing of Pendrith and in-form Andrew Novak.
| Time (CDT) | Group | Current Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 7:40 AM | Finau, Homa, Theegala | -4 to -6 |
| 12:30 PM | Wu, Åberg, Grillo | -6 to -8 |
| 1:05 PM | Clark, Im, Harman | -3 to -5 |



FedEx Cup Implications: Playoff Bubble Watch
With only the Barracuda Championship remaining after this event, several players face must-perform scenarios. Matt Kuchar (72nd in standings) likely needs a top-15 finish to avoid missing his first playoffs since 2011. Conversely, Mark Hubbard (81st) could vault 20 spots with a podium finish.
Critical Projections
- Top 5: Locks top 50 position
- Top 10: +50 points for bubble players
- Top 20: Minimum for meaningful movement





Course Conditions & Weather: The Changing Challenge
Thursday’s benign conditions (3mph winds, soft greens) are expected to give way to 15mph afternoon gusts on Friday. The PGA Tour agronomy team plans to firm up greens to 12.5 on the Stimpmeter – nearly two feet faster than Round 1. Historically, scoring averages increase by 1.3 strokes when winds exceed 12mph at TPC Twin Cities.
Holes That Will Decide the Cut
The 482-yard par-4 12th (+0.35 stroke average) and 215-yard par-3 17th (+0.28) typically separate contenders from pretenders. Both feature:
- Water carries requiring precise long-irons
- Sloping greens that repel mediocre approaches
- Wind tunnels amplifying afternoon challenges
Betting Market Reactions & Live Odds Shifts
Brandon Wu’s odds plummeted from 80-1 to 14-1 after his opening 63, while Finau drifted from +1200 to +2800 following his scrappy 67. The most intriguing value play might be Emiliano Grillo at 35-1 – the Argentine ranks 3rd in the field for strokes gained approach over his last 36 rounds.
Projected Winning Score
Based on historical data and forecasted conditions, the eventual champion will likely post -18 to -21. This suggests today’s leaders must continue aggressive play rather than protect positions.





How to Watch: Round 2 Coverage Guide
Friday’s action will be broadcast across multiple platforms:
- ESPN+: Featured Groups (7:30 AM – 7 PM ET)
- Golf Channel: Broadcast (4-7 PM ET)
- PGA Tour Radio: Hole-by-hole (Noon-7 PM ET)




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