BLAINE, Minn. — Kurt Kitayama finished a sizzling weekend with a final-round 65 to win the 3M Open on Sunday, beating Sam Stevens by one stroke for his second PGA Tour victory.
Kitayama, who shot a career-best and tournament-record-tying 60 on Saturday to enter the final round within one of the leaders, birdied six of the first eight holes to build a cushion on a 91-degree afternoon at the TPC Twin Cities.
“Getting off to a start like that kind of helps settle you down,” Kitayama said. “Final round, second-to-last group, there’s definitely some nerves.”
Kitayama took bogey on the par-3 17th hole for the third straight day, which shrunk his lead to one while playing in the second-to-last group. Stevens was one group ahead and failed to birdie the reachable par-5 18th.
After hitting his approach on the closing hole into a greenside bunker, Kitayama safely blasted to 18 feet and easily two-putted for par, finishing at 23-under 261 with his older brother, Daniel, caddying for only the second time this season.
“He helped me stay calm out there, make good decisions,” Kitayama said. “It just helps having family on the bag.”
Matt Wallace, David Lipsky, Pierceson Coody and Jake Knapp tied for third, three strokes back.
Kitayama, who previously won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in 2023, got a 500-point boost in the FedEx Cup standings to move inside the top 70 and secure a spot in the playoffs. He was projected to jump from 110th to 53rd.
Kitayama, who tied for sixth at the 3M Open last year, has missed seven cuts this season. He tied for fifth twice, at the John Deere Classic and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. This win was projected to bump his world ranking from 97th to 39th.
The 32-year-old native of Chico, California, had his approach game in prime form. He hit a 7-iron from a fairway bunker on the par-4 14th from a fairway bunker within 2 feet of the hole for the last of his 20 birdies on the weekend, the most in a PGA Tour event since 2003.
Stevens made five birdies on the back nine, continuing his strong season that includes three top-three finishes. He was second at the Farmers Insurance Open. The 29-year-old native of Fort Worth, Texas, is still seeking his first win, but this finish pushes him from 44th to 29th in the FedEx Cup with one event left in the regular season.
“With Kurt shooting 29 on the front nine, it’s like, well, I’m six or seven back, whatever it was at the time. I can just play as freely and as aggressively as I want to,” Stevens said. “I really didn’t feel that many nerves on the back nine, which is good. Normally I get very nervous, so I had a lot of peace out there today.”
Knapp, playing with Stevens, was in contention until his second shot on the 18th splashed into the water, leading to his only bogey of the day in his third top-five finish this year.
Akshay Bhatia and Thorbjorn Olesen were the co-leaders going into Sunday, but the final pairing had a disappointing finish. Bhatia shot 75 and tied for 25th, and Olesen shot 73 to fall to a six-way tie for 14th that included first-round leader Adam Svensson.
Svensson, whose 60 on Thursday was matched two days later by Kitayama, bounced back from a 75 on Friday with a 68-65 weekend.
Defending champion Jhonattan Vegas had his best round of the tournament (67) and finished in a tie for 44th at 11-under.
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The final round of the 20253M Open began with anticipation under the Minnesota sun. The air was thick with excitement as fans gathered early, hoping to witness history in the making. The course, bathed in golden morning light, seemed to buzz with possibility. Every blade of grass ready for the drama about to unfold. Kurt Kityama, just one shot off the lead, played like a man on a mission. His eyes were locked in, his stride purposeful, and his demeanor unshakable. From the very first tea, it was clear he was determined to make his mark on this championship Sunday. Every movement was deliberate, every decision calculated. Kityama’s focus was unwavering, and his confidence radiated with each step down the fairway. He birdied the first hole, then kept the momentum rolling. By the eighth green, he’d carted six birdies. Each putt seemed to drop with a sense of inevitability, and the crowd’s energy grew with every red number on the scorecard. The roars from the gallery echoed across the course as Kityama’s name climbed the leaderboard with every hole. His play was electric, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. His front 929 stunned the field and gave him a commanding lead. Competitors glanced at the scoreboard in disbelief, realizing they were witnessing something special. Kityama’s explosive start was a testament to his preparation and mental toughness. Countless hours on the range and a relentless commitment to his craft had brought him to this moment. He had visualized this scenario, rehearsed every shot in his mind, and now under the pressure of the final round, he was executing flawlessly. “Getting off to a start like that kind of helps settle you down,” Kityama later said. His calm words belied the intensity of his performance, revealing the poise of a true competitor. He channeled nerves into pure performance. Every shot building his confidence. With each swing, he seemed to grow stronger, feeding off the energy of the crowd and the magnitude of the moment. The early lead forced other contenders to play catch-up. While Kayyama played with freedom, he attacked pins, trusted his instincts, and played the kind of golf that inspires awe. This wasn’t just a hot streak. It was a strategic masterpiece. Kityama managed risk and reward with precision, never letting up on the gas. He seized the moment, performing his best when the stakes were highest. Every clutch shot was met with a surge of emotion both from Kityama and the fans. The gallery watched in awe as Kityama set the tone for a memorable, hard-fought victory. His relentless charge inspired everyone watching, from young fans to seasoned pros. His front nine blitz made it clear. He was there not just to win, but to dominate. On this day, Kurt Kityama wasn’t just chasing a title. He was defining what it means to rise to the occasion and deliver a champions charge. Kityama’s Sunday charge was set up by a Saturday for the ages, a career best tournament record tying 60. The atmosphere at TPC Twin Cities was electric as he stepped onto the course, knowing he needed something special to stay in contention. Every shot, every putt seemed to carry extra weight, and Kityama rose to the occasion with a performance that will be remembered for years to come. 11 underpar, 20 birdies over the weekend. He turned from contender to favorite in a single round. The gallery watched in awe as he strung together birdie after birdie, his confidence growing with each hole. It was a display of precision and poise, the kind of golf that makes history. His ball striking was crisp, his putter on fire, and he drained long, challenging putts that electrified the crowd. The roars from the gallery echoed across the course as Kityama sank putts from all distances, never flinching under pressure. Each successful shot added to the mounting excitement, and it was clear something special was unfolding. That historic round vaulted him just one shot behind the leaders for Sunday. Suddenly, the leaderboard looked very different and Kityama’s name was right near the top. The field knew he was coming and the pressure shifted. Shooting 60 on the PGA Tour is rare, a sign of a player completely dialed in. It’s a feat that demands not just skill, but mental toughness and unwavering focus. Kityama’s ability to stay present. Shot after shot set him apart from the rest. For Kityama, it was a powerful affirmation. After a season of ups and downs, he’d faced adversity, battled through missed cuts and tough breaks. But this round proved he belonged among the games elite. The smile on his face said it all. He was back in form and ready for the challenge ahead. He carried that self-belief into Sunday, using Saturday’s momentum to fuel his brilliant start. The energy from his record round was still with him as he teed off and you could sense his determination to finish the job. TPC Twin Cities can be treacherous, but Kityama navigated it flawlessly under pressure. The water hazards and tricky greens didn’t phase him. Instead, he played with a calm confidence, making smart decisions and executing with precision. His Saturday 60 was the turning point, announcing he was ready to win. It was more than just a number. It was a statement to the field and to himself that he could rise to the occasion when it mattered most. As the sun set over TPC Twin Cities, Kayyama’s incredible round had set the stage for a dramatic Sunday finish. The world was watching and he was ready to seize his moment. A key part of Kittyama’s success was his caddy, his older brother, Daniel. Having family on the bag brought calm and stability during the intense final round. Daniel’s steady presence helped Kurt manage emotions and make good decisions. It just helps having family on the bag. Kityama said the bond between brothers turned pressure into focus and nerves into confidence. Their teamwork was evident. Daniel knew exactly what to say at the right moment. This victory was a shared triumph for the Kityama family. It highlighted the importance of a strong support system in professional sports. The image of the brothers celebrating on the 18th green was a heartwarming conclusion. With family by his side, Kityama proved anything is possible. After a blistering front nine, the back nine demanded a new strategy. Protect the lead. Kityama played with poise, focusing on smart, steady golf rather than chasing more birdies. A key moment came on 14. From a fairway bunker, he stuck his approach to two feet for a crucial birdie. As the pressure mounted and Sam Stevens closed the gap, every par became vital. Kityama relied on his brother’s calming presence and focused on one shot at a time. He avoided costly mistakes, playing conservative when needed. The back n showcased his resilience and ability to manage a lead under pressure. He proved he could win with both flare and grit. Steady pars on 15 and 16 kept him in control heading into the final stretch. Kityama’s composure set the stage for a dramatic finish. The par 317th at TPC Twin Cities had haunted Kityama all week and Sunday was no different. With a two-shot lead, he missed the green and couldn’t save paring a bogey. Suddenly, his cushion was down to a single shot with one hole to play. The pressure was immense. The entire tournament now hinged on the 18th. Daniel’s support was crucial as they walked to the final te helping Kurt reset and focus. Kityama’s ability to compartmentalize the bogey showed his maturity. The bogey on 17 added drama, turning the finish into a one-hole shootout. While he’d have preferred an easy walk, adversity made his victory even sweeter. He proved he could handle setbacks in the highest pressure moments. The response to 17 was the mark of a true champion. All eyes turned to the final hole. On the 18th T, Kityama’s one-shot lead meant everything was on the line. He found the fairway, but his approach drifted into the greenside bunker. The title would be decided by one last test of skill and nerve. From the sand, Kityama executed a perfect bunker shot, leaving himself 18 ft for birdie. The crowd erupted. He’d handled the pressure brilliantly. Two putts for par would seal the win. He cozied his first putt close, then tapped in for victory. Relief and joy washed over him. He was the 20253M Open champion. The dramatic finish from bogey on 17 to clutch bunker shot on 18 made the win unforgettable. Kityama’s resilience and composure shown when it mattered most. He had earned every bit of his triumph. While Kityama dazzled, Sam Stevens mounted the fiercest challenge, finishing at 22 under par. Stevens back nine charge forced Kyama to stay sharp until the end, earning Stevens a solo second and a big FedEx Cup boost. Jake Knap was in contention until his approach on 18 found water, dropping him into a tie for third. Matt Wallace, David Lipsky, and Pierce Sinci also finished strong, tying for third at 20 under. Their runs added excitement, but none could match Kityama’s weekend scoring. Meanwhile, co-leaders Akshai Batia and Thorbjorn Olison faltered under Sunday pressure, falling down the leaderboard. Their struggles highlighted just how tough it is to close on the PGA Tour. The final round was a true test of nerve, separating the champion from the rest. Kityama’s poise stood out among a talented field. Kityama’s win was more than a trophy. It was a career-changing moment. He vaulted from 110th to 53rd in the FedEx Cup, securing his playoff spot. The $1.512 million prize brought financial security and freedom. He jumped from 97th to 39th in the world rankings, opening doors to majors and elite events. The win earned him spots in the 2026 Century, the players, the Masters, and the PGA Championship. His PGA Tour membership is now secure through 2027. One great week transformed his season and career trajectory. Kittyama can now focus on competing with the world’s best. It’s proof that one breakthrough can change everything. Kittyama’s 3M Open win is more than just a victory. It’s a powerful story of perseverance, determination, and the rewards that come from never giving up, even when the odds seem stacked against you. After missing seven cuts this season, Kyama could have easily let doubt take over. But he never lost faith in himself. Day after day, he returned to the range, refining his swing, analyzing his game, and pushing through the frustration. He trusted that with enough hard work and patience, things would eventually fall into place. This win marks his second PGA Tour title, a significant achievement that cements his reputation as a proven champion on one of golf’s biggest stages. It’s a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to rise above setbacks. The victory is a shining example of resilience, of bouncing back from adversity and using every setback as fuel for a greater comeback. Kityama’s journey shows that setbacks are not the end, but often the beginning of something greater. Throughout this journey, family support played a crucial role. Having his brother Daniel on the bag wasn’t just about strategy. It was about having someone who believed in him, who shared every high and low, and who helped keep him grounded and focused. Their bond transformed the pressure of competition into a positive shared experience. Together, they face challenges headon, turning nerves into motivation and setbacks into opportunities for growth. Kityama’s story is a powerful reminder that even in an individual sport like golf, success is rarely achieved alone. It takes a team, family, coaches, friends to help you reach your full potential. He transformed a season filled with struggle and disappointment into one of triumph and joy, proving that persistence pays off in the end. With unwavering determination and the support of those closest to him, Kityama reached the pinnacle of his field, showing that dreams can be realized with enough grit and heart. His journey is an inspiration to anyone facing obstacles. Never give up because your breakthrough might be just one step away. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Kittyama’s win is living proof that hard work, belief, and the support of loved ones can lead to unforgettable moments and lasting success.
