'Twist Swing' Wolf: "I'm the Box Office Card This Week"... What About Johnson?

3M Open 'Title Defense', World No.4 Johnson Aims for 2nd Win, Fleetwood Joins, Korea Led by Kim Si-woo

'Twist Swing' Matthew Wolff has started his title defense at the 3M Open.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] 'Twist Swing.'

Matthew Wolff (USA) is famous for his unique swing. Just before the swing, he twists his left leg as if bending it. This is to maximize ground reaction force. It is similar in principle to Justin Thomas's (USA) 'tiptoe shot.' In fact, it acts as the driving force behind his long drives, averaging 312.8 yards (6th place) in the 2020 season. His backswing also lifts the club almost vertically. It resembles Jim Furyk's (USA) 'figure-eight swing.'

It is interesting that Wolff turned professional in June last year and immediately won his first PGA Tour title at the 3M Open in July, his third event. On the final day, he dramatically made a 'winning eagle' on the 18th hole (par 5), overcoming a one-stroke deficit to Bryson DeChambeau (USA). He showcased the 'rookie power' that won the NCAA Division I individual championship to the world. He quickly secured his tour card and, after just seven tournaments, ranked 83rd in the money list with $1.39 million.

The 3M Open (total prize money $6.6 million), opening on the night of the 23rd (Korean time) at Twin Cities Golf Club (par 71, 7,431 yards) in Blaine, Minnesota, USA, is his title defense. Wolff is already ranked 55th in the world, boasting the stature of a global star. At the Rocket Mortgage Classic, which ended on the 6th, he led by three strokes on the final day but faltered with a 1-under-par round, dropping to second place and causing some frustration. He has a great opportunity to reach his second career win with a chance for back-to-back titles.

World No. 4 Dustin Johnson challenges for his second victory at the 3M Open.

Jon Rahm (Spain), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), and Thomas, the 'top 3,' have entered rest ahead of next week's World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational, increasing Wolff's chances of winning. The 'number 4' Dustin Johnson (USA) is a player to watch. He warmed up by winning the Travelers Championship on the 29th of last month. He also achieved a remarkable record of winning at least one title for 13 consecutive seasons since the 2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship.

Tommy Fleetwood (England), the 'face of Europe,' made his first PGA Tour appearance since the COVID-19 pandemic. Brooks Koepka (USA) is focusing on recovering from injury. Since his knee surgery last October, he has been undergoing stem cell treatment and rehabilitation but is still struggling to regain his competitive shot feel. South Korea is represented by Kim Si-woo (25), Lee Kyung-hoon (29, both from CJ Logistics), Noh Seung-yul (29), and 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.