In late July the 3M Open will be played at the TPC. This is the crown jewel event on the Minnesota golf calendar and Tony Finau tops the list of PGA Tour players coming to Blaine.
“The number one question I get from core golf fans, I’m pretty sure most of you can guess is, who is coming to the 3M Open, what is the field going to be like?” Welch said. “Anytime you can have Tony Finau – number 14 in the world and 3M open defending champion – to headline your field, we are excited about that.”
“He’s already won twice this year,” said Twin Cities broadcaster and columnist Larry Fitzgerald. “He’s heading to be one of the best players in the world, if he isn’t already. The way he won last year was kind of magical. He’s kept on winning so it tells you that he’s a great player.”
Welch says that 2019 US Open champ Gary Woodland and seven-time PGA winner Billy Horschel will also be playing at the TPC along with other marquis players.
“Our current field has 178 PGA Tour victories amongst them,” Welch said. “So notable names like Brandt Snedeker and Charlie Hoffman and Stuart Cink – multiple winners on the PGA Tour will be back.”
Enjoys Minnesota
Finau has family in Minnesota. He is pumped up to come back to the Land of Lakes and try to repeat as 3M Open champ.
“I think the food is great and we love the lakes,” Finau said. “It’s the one time a year my family fishes. We go fishing together.”
On the course, Finau is starting to reel in the wins. He has six tour victories and his game is trending up. Despite the recent earth shaking news about the PGA Tour and Saudi LIV teaming up, Finau tries to stay in the moment.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty,” Finau said. “Nothing’s really been done yet as far as I know. Not a lot changes for me. I know what the schedule looks like for me this summer. My focus is still on playing golf and trying to win the FedEX Cup.”
Finau’s popularity is growing. He is prominently featured with his wife and five kids on the Netflix series “Full Swing.”
Twin Cities charities benefit
Whatever happens at this year’s tournament, the Twin Cities will benefit. The non-profit 3M Open fund is expected to raise over $1 million for local charities and organizations.
“As we enter the fifth year, the 3M Open is much more than just a golf tournament and a celebration,” said Kady Stoll from the 3M Open fund. “It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the community. We have a deep passion and commitment for improving and enriching the lives of the communities where we live, work and play. The 3M Open provides us a platform to do just that.”
The 3M Open runs from July 27 through July 30 at the TPC.
