Olesen Holds Overnight Lead at 3M Open Following Strong Second Round

Knapp Surges to Lead at Travelers Championship, FedEx Cup Playoff Hopes Ignite

HARTFORD, CT – Michael Knapp has positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard at the Travelers Championship, carding a stellar performance that puts him in prime contention. Knapp, who has been a consistent force this season, especially following his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Mexico Open earlier this year, remained bogey-free thru 36 holes, a career first. This remarkable consistency, highlighted by birdies on holes 10 through 12 to start his round, has him within striking distance of a important win.

Knapp’s strong showing also boosts his fedex Cup Playoff aspirations. Currently sitting 55th in the standings, a high finish this week would solidify his spot in the postseason, where the top 70 players compete. The pressure is on with only two weeks remaining in the regular season, making every shot crucial for players like Knapp, Matthias Schmid (68th), and Chris Kirk (77th), who are also battling to advance.

Trailing Knapp are a competitive group of players, including Sam Stevens, who finished his round with a 68, and Takumi kanaya, who posted a 64. Kirk and Schmid are also in the hunt, all sitting at 11-under par.

European tour veteran Thorbjørn Olesen, a nine-time international winner, is also in the mix. Olesen, who missed the cut at last week’s British Open, remains optimistic about his ongoing season. “I take every week as it comes,” Olesen commented.”Every week is an opportunity to try and bounce back and do something special.”

Knapp’s performance continues a trend of strong play this year, notably his lowest score on the PGA Tour this season – a 59 at the Cognizant Classic. His ability to navigate the course with such apparent ease, stating, “I feel like it’s been … kind of mistake-free for the most part. I haven’t really had to scramble too much,” bodes well for his championship chances.

Meanwhile, Adam Svensson, who had a remarkable 11-under 60 on Thursday, faced a setback with a 75 on Friday, dropping him down the leaderboard. Notable players who missed the cut include byeong Hun An, 67th in the FedEx Cup standings, and Haotong Li, who recently tied for fourth at the British Open.Evergreen insights:

Consistency is Key: Michael Knapp’s bogey-free streak through 36 holes underscores the fundamental importance of consistent play in professional golf. Avoiding costly errors frequently enough proves more critical than impressive but erratic performances.
fedex Cup Pressure: As the regular season winds down, the focus on FedEx Cup standings intensifies. This period highlights the dual challenge golfers face: performing well in individual tournaments while managing the overarching goal of qualifying for the lucrative playoffs.
Resilience in Sport: Thorbjørn Olesen’s mindset, “Every week is an opportunity to try and bounce back and do something special,” is a testament to the mental fortitude required in professional sports.Setbacks are certain, and the ability to regroup and refocus is a hallmark of successful athletes.
The Nature of Golf: The dramatic swings in fortunes,like Adam Svensson’s shift from a record-tying round to struggling the next day,exemplify the unpredictable and challenging nature of golf. The course, the conditions, and the mental game all play significant roles.

What specific aspects of Olesen’s game, beyond ball-striking and putting, are contributing to his lead at the 3M Open?

Second Round Recap: Olesen’s Dominance

Rasmus Højgaard Olesen is heading into the weekend at the 3M Open with a one-stroke lead after a stellar second round performance. The Danish golfer carded a 66, bringing his tournament total to 13-under par, 131. This puts him ahead of a chasing pack eager to challenge for the title at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine,Minnesota. Key to Olesen’s success so far has been consistent ball-striking and impressive putting, particularly on the challenging greens. He navigated the course effectively, capitalizing on birdie opportunities and minimizing errors.

Key Contenders and Notable performances

Several players are within striking distance of Olesen, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend. Here’s a look at some of the notable contenders:

Sungjae Im: Sitting just one stroke behind Olesen at 12-under, Im is a consistent performer known for his accuracy and composure. His second-round 67 showcased his ability to handle the course conditions.

Martin Laird: The veteran golfer is also at 12-under, demonstrating his experience and skill. Laird’s strong performance highlights his continued competitiveness on the PGA Tour.

David Lingmerth: Lingmerth is lurking at 11-under, making a strong push up the leaderboard with a solid second round.

Ryan Moore: Moore, a former Ryder Cup team member, is also in contention, showcasing his enduring talent.

Analyzing olesen’s Game: Strengths and Strategy

Olesen’s game appears to be firing on all cylinders. His approach play has been particularly impressive, consistently giving him good looks at birdie.

Driving Accuracy: While not leading the field in driving distance, Olesen’s accuracy off the tee has been crucial in positioning him for success.

Iron Play: His iron shots have been precise, allowing him to attack pins and create scoring opportunities.

Putting Prowess: Olesen’s putting has been exceptional, converting crucial putts to maintain his lead.He ranks highly in putts per round and scrambling.

Course Management: A smart and calculated approach to TPC Twin Cities has allowed him to avoid big numbers and stay in contention.

3M open Leaderboard – Top 10 (as of Second Round Completion)

Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 golfers at the 3M Open:

1. Rasmus Højgaard Olesen (-13)
2. Sungjae Im (-12)
3. Martin Laird (-12)
4. David Lingmerth (-11)
5. ryan Moore (-11)
6. Taylor Moore (-10)
7. Carson Young (-10)
8. Ben Taylor (-10)
9. Greyson Sigg (-9)
10. Nick Dunlap (-9)

(Leaderboard subject to change during the weekend rounds)

Weekend Outlook: what to Expect

The final two rounds of the 3M Open promise to be exciting. With a tight leaderboard and favorable weather conditions expected, several players have a realistic chance of claiming the title.

Pressure on Olesen: As the leader, Olesen will face the pressure of maintaining his advantage. His ability to handle the mental aspect of the game will be crucial.

Chasing Pack: Im, Laird, and Lingmerth will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes Olesen might make. Their experience and skill make them risky contenders.

Potential for Low Scores: TPC Twin Cities is a relatively scoreable course, and low rounds are expected over the weekend.

Key Holes to Watch: The par-3 9th and the challenging par-4 18th will likely play a notable role in determining the outcome of the tournament.

3M Open: Tournament Details & History

the 3M Open,a PGA Tour event,has been held at TPC Twin Cities since 2019. It’s known for its accessible atmosphere and strong community support. Past champions include Matthew Wolff (2019), Michael Thompson (2020), Cameron Champ (2021), Tony Finau (2022) and Cheng-Tsung Pan (2023). The tournament attracts a diverse field of golfers, providing a platform for both established stars and rising talents. The event also serves as a significant economic driver for the Blaine, Minnesota area.

Betting Odds & Fan Favorites

As of July 26th, 2025, Rasmus Højgaard Olesen is the clear favorite with current betting odds around +200. Sungjae Im follows closely behind at +3