Ben Kohles shot a career-low 62 on Thursday to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the 3M Open [1], [3].

The performance establishes Kohles as the early favorite in the tournament and marks a significant personal milestone for the 36-year-old professional golfer [1].

Kohles finished the day at nine-under par [2]. His round was entirely bogey-free, capping off the performance with an eagle on the final hole at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota [3], [4], [5].

Following the round, Kohles spoke about his mental approach and performance on the course. "I was in control all day," Kohles said [6].

The golfer attributed his success to his familiarity and comfort with the specific conditions at TPC Twin Cities. He said that this comfort allowed him to find his rhythm on the greens, and maintain a steady level of control throughout the day [7], [1].

Kohles holds a two-shot lead over the nearest competitor [3]. His career-low score of 62 [1] places him in a strong position heading into the subsequent rounds of the tournament.

“I was in control all day.”

A bogey-free opening round of 62 is a rare statistical feat that provides a significant psychological and mathematical advantage. By establishing a two-shot lead early in the tournament, Kohles has shifted the pressure to the rest of the field, including top-ranked competitors, while demonstrating a high level of synergy with the TPC Twin Cities course layout.