3M Championship Recap

Welcome back Duffers!

What a weekend for golf! From clutch performances to breakout debuts, the world of golf was full of action despite many of the men’s top players sitting out this week as the PGA Tour nears the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Let’s dive into the headlines that stole the show.

• Kurt Kitayama’s Comeback Victory at the 3M Open

• Lottie Woad’s Stunning Pro Debut

• Joaquin Niemann’s LIV Dominance, Major Struggles

Tournament Recap 🏌️

Kurt Kitayama’s Comeback Victory at the 3M Open

Kurt Kitayama turned heads and torched the TPC Twin Cities to claim his second PGA Tour title at the 3M Open in Blaine, Minnesota, on July 27, 2025. After barely squeaking through the cut line—tied for 44th, one stroke above the mark—Kitayama unleashed a weekend for the ages.

On Saturday, he fired a career-best 11-under 60, tying the tournament record and rocketing into a tie for third. He followed it with a 6-under 65 on Sunday, birdying six of the first eight holes to seize control on a sweltering 91-degree day. Despite a bogey on the 17th, Kitayama held off Sam Stevens by one stroke, finishing at 23-under 261. His 20 birdies over the weekend were the most in a PGA Tour event in over 20 years!

This win wasn’t just a trophy—it vaulted Kitayama from 110th to 53rd in the FedEx Cup standings, securing his spot in the playoffs with one week left in the regular season.

As the PGA Tour regular season winds down, players are leaving it all on the course to crack the top 70 and punch their ticket to the St. Jude Championship.

Kitayama’s surge shows how quickly fortunes can change in this high-stakes stretch.

Noteworthy Stories ✍🏻

Lottie Woad’s Stunning Pro Debut

Across the pond, 21-year-old Englishwoman Lottie Woad announced her arrival on the LPGA Tour with a wire-to-wire victory at the Women’s Scottish Open.

Fresh off a near-miss at the Evian Championship (an LPGA major), Woad turned pro and promptly dominated at Dundonald Links, carding a final-round 4-under 68 to finish at 21-under 267, three shots clear of Hyo Joo Kim.

She became only the second player in three years to win in her LPGA debut, joining Rose Zhang’s 2023 feat. Woad’s composure against a field stacked with major champions, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda (who finished fifth), earned her full LPGA Tour membership and $300,000.

With the LPGA gearing up for its next major, the AIG Women’s Open, Woad will look to go back-to-back and cement her status as a rising star.

Keep an eye on this one—she’s got the game to shake things up.

Joaquin Niemann’s LIV Dominance, Major Struggles

On the LIV Golf circuit, Joaquin Niemann continued his reign, capturing his fifth title of 2025 at LIV Golf-UK in Uttoxeter, England.

Niemann closed with a 3-under 68 for a three-shot win over Bubba Watson, finishing at 17-under. With seven career LIV wins and over $21 million earned this year, the 26-year-old Chilean is a force on the Saudi-backed tour.

However, his LIV success hasn’t translated to the majors, where he has just one top-10 finish in 26 starts. After missing the cut at the British Open last week, Niemann made big changes, switching his coach and caddie, which paid immediate dividends.

Can he carry this form into next year’s majors and finally break through? The talent is undeniable, but the clock is ticking.

Quick Hit 📝

Hamilton Coleman’s Junior Triumph
A nod to the future: Georgia teenager Hamilton Coleman won the U.S. Junior Amateur, showcasing the next generation’s promise. Congrats, Hamilton, on a well-earned title.

As the PGA Tour regular season wraps up and the LPGA heads toward its next major, the stakes are sky-high.

Who’s got what it takes to shine when it matters most?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep slicing our way through the season together!

Golf Deal Of The Week 👀

Looking to upgrade your golf gear without feeling like you just triple-bogeyed your bank account?

Well, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best golf equipment deals to keep your game and budget on par.

From drivers that’ll add serious yardage to your swing, to shoes that feel like walking on freshly cut fairways, these finds are priced to please.

So before you spend big at the shop, take a swing at these sweet deals.

Trust us—your wallet will thank you.

Product: adidas Men's Performance Primegreen Polo Golf Shirt

Current Price: $17

Product Details:

• Regular fit

• Three-button polo collar

• 100% recycled polyester piqué

• Stretchy, soft and smooth fabric

Note: Available sizes may vary.

Until next week, swing easy.

— The Duffer’s Crew