BLAINE, Minn. — Ben Kohles shot an 8-under 62 on Thursday to take the first-round lead at the 3M Open. The 34-year-old American holed a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th, capping a round of nine birdies and one bogey.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sits three shots back after a 5-under 67. Highly-touted rookie Jackson Koivun shares second place with Scheffler, shooting 67 in his PGA Tour debut.
Kohles’ Commanding Start
Kohles began on the back nine and turned in 3-under 32. He added four birdies on the front, then the decisive eagle on 18. His approach shot from 235 yards landed 30 feet from the cup. The putt dropped dead center.
“I just tried to stay patient,” Kohles said. “The putter got hot at the right time.”
His 62 matches the lowest opening round of his PGA Tour career. He has never won on Tour, with a runner-up finish in 2023 his best result. A win this week would change that.
Scheffler Lurks
Scheffler carded four birdies on his front nine and a closing birdie on 18. He hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 greens in regulation. The 28-year-old is seeking his fifth win of the season.
“I left a couple out there,” Scheffler said. “But I’m in good position.”
Scheffler has trailed by three or fewer strokes after 18 holes six times this season. He has converted three of those into wins.
Koivun Delivers on Hype
Koivun, 20, is the most hyped rookie to enter professional golf since Jordan Spieth in 2013. He shot 67 with six birdies and one bogey, highlighted by a 45-foot putt on the 14th.
He turned pro in June after winning the Haskins Award as college golf’s player of the year. This is his first PGA Tour event as a professional.
“I tried to treat it like any other round,” Koivun said. “The nerves were there, but I managed them.”
Leaderboard Breakdown
Seven players sit within four shots of the lead. The field average of 68.8 was the lowest opening-round average in tournament history. Calm conditions and receptive greens enabled scoring.
Key storylines for Friday:
Kohles must maintain aggressive pace. Scheffler needs to clean up short game. Koivun faces a mental test of sustaining momentum.
What It Means
Kohles has 86 PGA Tour starts without a win. His career earnings total $4.2 million. A victory here would secure his Tour status through 2028 and earn a spot in next year’s Masters.
The 3M Open has produced first-time winners in three of its six editions. Kohles fits that pattern.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What score did Ben Kohles shoot in the first round of the 3M Open?
- A: Ben Kohles shot an 8-under 62 to lead.
- Q: How far back is Scottie Scheffler after the first round?
- A: Scottie Scheffler is three shots back with a 5-under 67.
- Q: Who is Jackson Koivun and what did he shoot?
- A: Jackson Koivun is a 20-year-old rookie making his PGA Tour debut; he shot 67 to tie for second.
- Q: Has Ben Kohles ever won on the PGA Tour?
- A: No, Kohles has never won on Tour; his best finish is a runner-up in 2023.
- Q: What was the highlight of Kohles’ round?
- A: He holed a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th to cap his round.
Extended Reading
The Golf Post reported that Koivun’s T2 debut “validated the hype” surrounding his transition to professional golf. The article noted his “composure under the spotlight” and his ability to “compete with the game’s best immediately.”