2021 3M Open: Round 2 Matchups

Jul 22, 2021

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Sitting at 124th in the FedExCup standings, and within weeks away from losing out on numerous PGA Tour benefits, Rickie Fowler desperately needs a good performance at the 3M Open. In Thursday's opening round, he got off to the start he needed by shooting a 7-under 64. Bogey-free on the day, his strokes gained (SG) putting stats for the round brought back memories of what used to be his consistently excellent performances circa 2014-2019. Whether or not he can string four positive rounds together is the big question. Sitting atop the leaderboard with Fowler is former Minnesota resident, Troy Merritt. He had a brilliant day ball-striking, gaining 3.8 shots between his off-the-tee and approach game. Jhonattan Vegas also made a late charge from the afternoon wave and finished his 18th hole at 7-under as well, completing his round as darkness closed in. Most of the tournament favorites, though, had underwhelming rounds. Louis Oosthuizen sits in a tie for 21st place at 3-under par, while former 3M champion Matthew Wolff shot a 2-under 69. Sitting even further back, each at 1-under par are Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, and Patrick Reed. A late morning rain delay of over two hours softened the course. Even so, scoring was more difficult in the afternoon wave, averaging more than a stroke tougher than during the morning. Play was suspended due to darkness with a few golfers still on the course. They will finish in the morning before the start of the second round. Tomorrow's forecast does not predict any rain, but the heat and wind forecast are almost identical to Thursday, with temperatures in the 90s and winds increasing as the round advances.