'2 Career Wins' Thompson "It Took 7 Years and 4 Months~"... Kim Siwoo 46th Place

3M Open Final Day 4-Under Par '2-Stroke Victory', Jump from PO Ranking 151st to 39th, Masters Ticket Secured

Michael Thompson is cheering while holding the trophy immediately after winning the 3M Open. Blaine, Minnesota, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "7 years and 4 months."

Michael Thompson (USA) took this long to reach his second career win on the PGA Tour. On the 27th (Korean time), at the Twin Cities Golf Club in Blaine, Minnesota (par 71, 7,431 yards), where the 3M Open (total prize money $6.6 million) concluded, he lowered his score by 4 strokes on the final day to secure a 2-stroke victory (19-under 265). The winner's prize was $1,188,000 (14.3 billion KRW). Kim Si-woo (25, CJ Logistics) ended his challenge for a 'Top 10' finish tied for 46th place (8-under 276).

Thompson is the player who caused a sensation by defeating world stars such as Tiger Woods (USA) and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) when he won the Honda Classic in March 2013. On the final 18th hole (par 5), where he led by one stroke, he drew even more spotlight with an aggressive play attempting a '2-on' with a wood shot. Adding to the 'fan service,' he sank a third shot from the greenside bunker very close to the hole to secure a birdie.

However, Thompson had shown little presence since then, with only one top-3 finish. His only top-3 was a tie for 3rd at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in June 2015. In the 2020 season, he missed the cut 8 times in 15 tournaments. This tournament stood out with his exceptional performance, shooting 7-under on the first day and adding 5-under on the second day to rise to a tie for the lead. He relied on an average greens in regulation rate of 83.33% over 4 rounds and his 'pinpoint iron shots' as his driving force.

Michael Thompson (left) is sharing a moment of joy with his caddie as his victory is confirmed on the final day of the 3M Open. Blaine, Minnesota, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

On this day, he recorded 5 birdies and 1 bogey. Although he had a '3-putt bogey' on the 3rd hole (par 4), he changed the momentum with consecutive birdies on the 5th and 6th holes, and then sealed the deal with birdies on the 10th, 16th, and 18th holes. It is noteworthy that Thompson's FedEx Cup (PO) ranking soared from 151st to 39th. He also secured a ticket to the World Golf Championships (WGC) FedEx St. Jude Invitational on the 31st and the Masters in November.

Adam Long rose to 2nd place (17-under 267), and Richy Werenski, who competed with Thompson for the title throughout the four days, faltered at 1-under, finishing tied for 3rd (16-under 268) alongside Tony Finau (both USA). Defending champion Matthew Wolff (USA) finished tied for 12th (14-under 270). The Korean contingent included 'Tank' Choi Kyung-ju (50, SK Telecom) at 61st (4-under 280) and Lee Kyung-hoon (29, CJ Logistics) at 66th (3-over 287).

Korean fans were disappointed by Choi Kyung-ju's lack of finishing strength. After gaining momentum with 3 birdies in the front nine, he managed only 1 birdie in the back nine but gave away 5 bogeys and 1 double bogey, losing 3 strokes. Off the course, the strong performance of Chase Koepka (USA), younger brother of world No. 6 Brooks Koepka, became a hot topic. He swept up 8 birdies to post an 8-under daily best and settled in a tie for 26th place (11-under 273).

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