PGA Tour rookie Jackson Koivun shot a third-round 61 at the 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota, taking a three-stroke lead at 20-under par while setting a tournament record with a 28 on the back nine at TPC Twin Cities, according to tournament reports. The 21-year-old former Auburn standout turned professional last month following the U.S. Open and separated from the field on a steamy Saturday afternoon with two eagles and six birdies.
Chasing Pack and Leaderboard Standings at TPC Twin Cities
Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles sit tied for second place at 17-under par after each carding a 65 in the third round. Michael Brennan shot a 63 to share fourth place at 16-under par alongside Chandler Phillips, while Denny McCarthy, Billy Horschel, and Michael Kim occupy sixth place at 15-under par. World number-one Scottie Scheffler carded a 64, finishing six strokes back in a four-way tie for ninth place alongside Davis Thompson, Seamus Power, and Brian Harman, according to official scoring data.
Did you know? Jackson Koivun became the youngest 54-hole leader on tour this season, tying the 54-hole record of 193 set by 2023 champion Lee Hodges.
Koivun Relies on Collegiate Experience Under Pressure
Koivun sank a 12-foot putt on the 12th green and a 14-footer on the 18th to eagle two of the course’s three par-5s, positioning himself for a final-round test on the lake-filled layout. “Just got to keep the foot on the gas,” Koivun said regarding his strategy heading into Sunday. Having tied for 10th two weeks prior at the ISCO Championship in Kentucky, Koivun credited his amateur career for his composure. “Playing at Auburn was so much fun. We were definitely put in some stressful situations at national championships and just collegiate play,” Koivun stated. “I’m just trying to lean on those experiences.”
Veteran Contenders and Crowd Reactions in Minnesota
Ben Kohles, who held the first-round lead after shooting a 62, played a bogey-free round in pursuit of his first tour victory. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Emiliano Grillo eagled the 18th hole to compensate for earlier missed putts on the greens. “These kids are playing better every day,” Grillo said. “It’s hard to keep up with them. I’ve just got to go and shoot my lowest.” Scottie Scheffler drew large galleries packed deep along the ropes, electrifying fans by sinking a 55-foot eagle putt on the par-4 16th hole. “The support this week’s been tremendous,” Scheffler noted.
Pro Tip: When tracking late-summer PGA Tour events at TPC Twin Cities, keep a close eye on players capitalizing on the par-5s, as the lake-laden course rewards aggressive second shots on holes like the 18th.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the PGA Tour’s 3M Open after the third round?
PGA Tour rookie Jackson Koivun holds the 54-hole lead at 20-under par after shooting a third-round 61 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.
What was Jackson Koivun’s back-nine score?
Koivun shot a tournament-record 28 on the back nine during his third round, featuring eagles on two of the course’s three par-5s.
Where is the 3M Open played?
The tournament takes place at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, a course that joined the tour schedule in 2019.
How many strokes behind is Scottie Scheffler?
Scottie Scheffler is six strokes behind the leader, tied for ninth place heading into the final round.
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