The Twin Cities injected some excitement into the late season last week, and there was good news for former Bulldogs to boot. First, Tour rookie (I mean like 24 days since turning pro) Jackson Koivun won the 3M Open in his 3rd start as a professional and 7th time playing a Tour event (he played several as an amateur and based on his NCAA Championship). He beat everyone not named Scottie Scheffler by 5 shots, and held off the world #1 in the process. His incredible collegiate career at Auburn was not a fluke,
unlike their academic credentials.
For the boys in red & black: Keith Mitchell finished in a tie for 44th, so his position in the FedEx Cup points did not change. Chris Kirk got to 12 under par, and the T31 finish bumped him up 3 spots to 143rd in the FedEx. But he’ll need a VERY high finish the next two weeks to get into the post-season. David Thompson got a much-needed top 10 (T7) and that moved him up to 93rd position – still outside the top 70 but do now he has an outside chance to advance.
And Brian Harman played the final day alongside Scottie Scheffler and for the most part kept up with him. Harman shot a Sunday 65 and got a T3 – and those points bumped him from the dangerous 74th spot to a more comfortable 62nd spot. So let’s see what’s on tap this week.
Tournament: Rocket Classic, July 30-August 2, 2026.
Course: Detroit Golf Club, par 70, 7,328 yards.
Purse: $10 million total, with $1.8 million to the winner.
Defending Champ: Aldrich Potgeiter. The youngster (only 20 at the time) came out blazing and had a 2 stroke lead entering the final round. He shot a 1 under 69 Sunday, but that was enough for Georgia’s own Chris Kirk to catch him with a 67. Duke Blue Devel Max Greyserman matched Kirk and got into the playoff too, but that’s the side story. The main story is that Kirk felt sorry for the South African rookie and let him win after a few holes.
TV Times: Similar to last week, and much like a “regular” Tour event, Golf Channel has coverage Thursday and Friday from 3-6 pm ET, and Saturday and Sunday 1-3 pm. CBS will take over the late weekend coverage Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm ET.
‘Dawgs in the Field: Russell Henley, Chris Kirk, Brendon Todd, Davis Thomson, Harris English.
If you’ve been following along, and Mom I know you have, you realize both Henley and English are in good shape for the FedEx Cup Playoffs at 14th and 48th respectively. You know Davis Thompson needs some high finishes the next two weeks to jump from now 93rd place into the top 70. Chris Kirk is at 143 and needs a miracle. And Brendon Todd would need a win this week (and only a win), plus make the cut next week at Wyndham and I’m not sure he can enter next week. Straka, Harman, and Mitchell are in pretty good shape, but some may play next week to tune up for the fast-approaching post-season.
Enjoy this during the dog days, before the ‘Dawg Days truly begin, and hopefully a ‘Dawg will have his Day in the winners circle in Rock City. And as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!
