3M Open draws crowds, even when it doesn’t draw Scottie Scheffler

The 3M Open continues to prove its staying power in the Minnesota sports calendar, drawing thousands of fans to TPC Twin Cities in Blaine this week. While the tournament historically struggles to attract top-tier global talent due to its late July scheduling following the major championships, this year is different. World number one Scottie Scheffler is in the field, providing a significant boost to local interest and ticket demand.

Attendance figures for the six-day event remain steady. In typical years, the tournament hosts between 100,000 and 125,000 spectators, making it one of the most attended stops on the PGA Tour. Fans on the ground cite the casual, accessible atmosphere as a major draw. Unlike larger, more congested events, spectators here enjoy relatively close proximity to the players, especially during Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds.

Tournament operations remain focused on the fan experience. Planners installed activity zones for children and increased accessibility to professional golfers. For many attendees, the event serves as an introduction to professional golf, regardless of whether they follow the tour year-round. While local golf enthusiasts hope for a consistent pipeline of high-profile players in future years, the current turnout confirms that the regional community supports the event based on the quality of the experience provided.

Ultimately, the 3M Open succeeds by treating the tournament as a community event. Whether fans come for the chance to see a world-ranked player like Scheffler or to enjoy a day of outdoor sports, the turnout confirms that the tournament has solidified its place in the Twin Cities sporting landscape.