Scottie Scheffler shot a six-under 65 during the opening round of the 2026 3M Open on Thursday [1, 3, 4].

This performance marks a critical attempt for Scheffler to regain momentum following a season he described as underwhelming [2, 5]. By adding the event to his schedule for personal reasons, Scheffler is seeking to stabilize his form in a competitive field [2, 5].

The tournament took place in Blaine, Minnesota [2, 4]. Scheffler's 65 [1, 3, 4] placed him near the top of the leaderboard, though he trailed the initial lead. Reports on the exact gap and the identity of the leader vary. CBS Sports said Ben Kohles led the field with a nine-under 62 [4], leaving Scheffler three strokes behind [4]. Conversely, MSN said Emiliano Grillo held the lead and that Scheffler was only one stroke behind [3].

Scheffler's decision to compete in the Minnesota event was a late addition to his calendar [2]. The opening round, which occurred in June 2026 [1, 4], showed a return to the precision that has historically defined his game. He focused on the smaller details of his play to secure the low score [1].

As the tournament progresses, Scheffler remains a primary contender for the title. His ability to post a sub-70 score on the first day puts him in a position to challenge the leaders over the remaining rounds. The disparity in reporting regarding the leaderboard suggests a volatile top tier of competitors in the early stages of the event [3, 4].

“Scottie Scheffler shot a six-under 65 during the opening round”

Scheffler's strong start at the 3M Open suggests a potential turning point in a difficult season. While the discrepancy in leaderboard reporting highlights the tight competition at the top, a 65 is a benchmark score that typically keeps a player in contention for a PGA Tour victory.