“Where is the PGA Tour this week”
I can honestly say I have never watched the entire final round of the 3M Championships that takes place in Minnesota.
That is until this past Sunday.
I didn’t plan on watching the tournament, even Sunday morning when I woke up. I turned on the Golf Channel Sunday morning and caught the beginning of the coverage of the final round.
The story was compelling right away. Jackson Koivun was making his third start after turning pro right after the U.S. Open. He was carrying a three-shot into the final round and that was enough to capture my interest.
Then to know what Scottie Sheffler was within striking distance made it more compelling. Scheffler, the top ranked player in the world, has had the type of season when he puts serious pressure on the leader on Sunday.
And there was no exception Sunday as Scheffler fired a final round 63 to close the gap to two strokes at one point. But the 21-year-old Koivun showed the composure he made famous in the college ranks where he won seemingly every major award. He won six collegiate tournaments this year, four of which he went into final round with the lead and closed the deal.
Koivun’s win also figures to bring some more eyes to this week’s Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Usually, the highlight of the next two events are the players fighting to get a spot in the top 70 and a spot in the FedEx Playoffs.
With the win last week, Koivun jumped to No. 70 and since he recently turned pro, he was entered to play this week as well. It’s not a bad field as some of the top players in the world are playing to get their game in gear before the playoffs.
Cameron Youn (3), Russell Henley (5), Chris Gotterup (7), and Wyndham Clark (9) are all playing this week. Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka all entered as well.
The Detroit Golf Club recently underwent a $16 million renovation, finishing just in time for the tournament.
The television schedule is Thursday-Friday, 12 noon-3 p.m. on the Golf Channel. Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-12 noon on Golf Channel, 12 noon-3 p.m. on CBS.
By Dennis Miller