A new and improved Kurt Kitayama followed the evolution of his game straight to victory at the 3M Open. Although his win at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard was a career-defining moment, it was a triumph of tenacity rather than sustainability. Kitayama struggled to find consistent form in the aftermath, showing flashes on a not yet stable foundation. But what mattered more was the evolution of his game. And quietly, steadily, it came.

“Overall I’m a more complete, more consistent ball-striker,” Kitayama said Saturday after carding an 11-under 60 to match the course record at TPC Twin Cities. “I just feel more comfortable over tough shots. … I feel more comfortable hitting the hard shot.”

When Kitayama teed it up Sunday, the player who emerged was not the same one from Bay Hill. This was a steadier, surer Kitayama – one who trusted not only his instincts but the meticulous work he had put in to rewire his game. Kitayama birdied his opening two holes in the final round, then chipped in on the third to make it three in a row, a clear signal that once he pressed the accelerator, it wasn’t coming back up. He finished with a 6-under 65, good for a one-stroke win over Sam Stevens. And he did it all with his brother, Daniel, on the bag.

The win brings Kitayama to 53rd in the FedExCup, well inside the top-70 threshold for the FedExCup Playoffs and in the mix for the top 50, which would earn him tee times in next year’s Signature Events.

Points and payouts: See what each player earned at 3M Open

Kurt Kitayama arrived at TPC Twin Cities at 110th in the FedExCup. As one of 130 in the field of 156 outside the top 70, he was in need of a strong performance in the last two weeks of the Regular Season to qualify for the series. Done and done. Paying off an 11-under 60 in the third round, Kitayama posted 23-under 261 for a one-stroke victory over Sam Stevens. With the winner’s share of 500 FedExCup points added, Kitayama vaults to 53rd in the standings, so he can now solidify his travel plans for the first leg of the Playoffs. See what Kitayama and the rest of the field took home at the 3M Open.

Video of the week

In recognition of his character, sportsmanship and commitment to charitable giving, 12-time PGA TOUR winner Paul Azinger is the 2025 recipient of the PGA TOUR’s Payne Stewart Award presented by Southern Company. Watch as Azinger is surprised with a presentation at PGA TOUR Studios.

Mic check

"A lot's happened since I turned professional: I got engaged; I've played in majors when I honestly didn't expect to play in majors that quickly; I've won. A lot has changed. I think the biggest part about me that I've learned is that I stay pretty much the same for the most part. ... My family keeps me grounded. We love riding the highs, but I always know that they're going to be there for the lows." – Johnny Keefer after winning the NV5 Invitational on the Korn Ferry Tour and being declared #TOURbound

Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10

The Comcast Business TOUR TOP 10 highlights and rewards the extraordinary level of play required to earn a spot in the TOP 10 at the conclusion of the FedExCup Regular Season as determined by the FedExCup standings. The competition recognizes and awards the most elite in golf.