As the 3M Open reaches its halfway point at TPC Twin Cities, six golfers (three Europeans and three Americans) are not only chasing the tournament title but also making a strong case for coveted captain’s picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
With Thorbjorn Olesen leading at 14-under par, and the five others within seven strokes, a victory here could significantly boost their chances for a spot on Team Europe or Team USA.
Team Europe: One Spot, Fierce Competition
Conventional wisdom suggests that Team Europe has 11 players locked in: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Justin Rose, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jon Rahm. This leaves one spot open, and three European players in contention at the 3M Open are making compelling arguments.
- Thorbjorn Olesen (-14, 1st) holds the solo lead after a stellar 6-under 65 in the second round, following his opening 62. The Dane, ranked 20th in the European Ryder Cup standings, could leap to 10th or 11th with a win. A member of the victorious 2018 Ryder Cup team, Olesen’s experience and current form make him a prime candidate for captain Luke Donald’s consideration. His steady play at TPC Twin Cities, highlighted by precise ball-striking (71.4% Fairways Hit), has him two shots clear of the field.
- Matti Schmid (-11, T5) is tied for fifth after rounds of 63 and 68. The German, currently 32nd in the Ryder Cup standings, could climb to 12th with a victory. Schmid, who has no Ryder Cup experience, has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and his 3M performance, marked by a strong approach game, signals he’s ready for the big stage. A win would be a massive statement for the young talent.
- Matt Wallace (-10, T8) sits at 10 under after rounds of 65 and 67. Ranked 12th in the Ryder Cup standings, a win could push him to ninth or 10th, and firmly in the captain’s pick conversation. The Englishman, yet to play in a Ryder Cup, has been consistent in 2025, and his aggressive personality and play fits the intensity of Bethpage. Wallace’s four birdies and an eagle in Round 2 kept him in the hunt.
Team USA: Four Spots, High Stakes
Team USA is believed to have eight players penciled-in: Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Justin Thomas, and Collin Morikawa. With four spots open, three Americans in contention at the 3M Open are looking to impress captain Keegan Bradley.
- Wyndham Clark (-10, T8) is tied for eighth after a 6-under 65 in Round 2, following a 67. Sitting 16th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, a win could move him to 14th. A member of the 2023 Ryder Cup team that fell in Rome, Clark’s inspiring T4 at the Open Championship and strong ball-striking in Minnesota (gaining strokes off the tee) show he’s peaking at just the right time. However, his T112 ranking in driving accuracy could be a concern heading into the weekend at water-lined TPC Twin Cities.
- Chris Gotterup (-10, T8) has been the talk of the golf world after winning the Genesis Scottish Open and finishing solo third at the Open Championship. At 10 under with rounds of 63 and 69, the 22nd-ranked American in the Ryder Cup standings could jump to 16th with a win and peak momentum. Gotterup, with no Ryder Cup experience, has shown he thrives under pressure, with some saying his Sunday takedown of McIlroy in Scotland was a true Ryder Cup test and he passed with flying red, white, and blue colors. His long-hitting style would suit Bethpage to a tee.
- Sam Burns (-7, T32) is 7 under after rounds of 68 and 67. Ranked 15th in the U.S. standings, a win could push him to 13th. A 2023 Ryder Cup participant, Burns brings experience, but his inconsistent approach play needs sharpening. His eight birdies in Round 2 suggest he could make a move, but he’ll need to go low again to catch Olesen. Of note: being BFF with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler helps Burns’ case no matter what happens this weekend.
The Road to Bethpage
With the Ryder Cup looming in September, a win at the 3M Open would be a game-changer for any of these six players. Olesen’s lead gives him the inside track, but Schmid, Wallace, Clark, Gotterup, and Burns are within seven strokes, keeping the pressure on.
Gotterup’s meteoric rise makes him a far better fit for Bethpage than some American veterans, while Wallace’s consistency and blue-collar aura has fans eyeing him for Europe.
The weekend at TPC Twin Cities promises drama, with FedExCup Playoff spots and Ryder Cup dreams on the line. As the field battles ideal scoring conditions, these Ryder Cup hopefuls know a trophy on Sunday could punch their ticket to New York.
