Jake Knapp presumably can’t get any closer to a hole-in-one without sinking a shot than he did on Thursday at the 3M Open.
Knapp, 32, teed off in a group with Corey Connors and Max Homa. He went into Thursday’s first round at +4000 odds to win the tournament. (Scottie Scheffler was the far-away favorite at +260.)
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His shot at the par-3 No. 4 hole nearly dropped into the hole on the third bounce before cruelly lipping out and sitting right on the edge of the cup. Defying logic and physics, the ball didn’t go in.
Did anyone try to clap their hands or cough, hoping it might nudge the shot in? The camera angle makes it appear as if the flagstick is preventing the ball from falling into the cup.
Despite the near-ace, Knapp was left with an easy birdie from 2 inches. He is tied for 20th at 3-under after shooting a 68. At last year’s 3M Open, Knapp tied for third.
Defending 3M Open champion Kurt Kitayama is still finishing his first round. Scheffler is tied for second at -6, on shot behind leader Emiliano Grillo.
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The 2026 3M Open’s total purse is set at $8.8 million with the winner receiving more than $1.58 million in prize money.
