Kurt Kitayama Delivers Record-Breaking Performance to Win the 3M Open
Kurt Kitayama delivered a standout performance at the recently concluded 3M Open, claiming a one-shot victory to secure his second PGA Tour title. His play over the weekend was especially remarkable, with an incredible 20 birdies recorded during the final two rounds alone—a feat unmatched by any player on the PGA Tour in the last two decades, including World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
The PGA Tour highlighted Kitayama’s historic achievement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, noting the impressive birdie count and his tournament win.
While Scheffler chose to rest following his fourth career major victory at The Open Championship and did not compete in the 3M Open, Kitayama seized the opportunity. Having skipped The Open, he entered the 3M Open following a solid showing at the Barracuda Championship and capitalized with a commanding performance.
20 birdies for Kurt Kitayama on the weekend alone!
That’s the most in 20+ years.
He’s just won the @3MOpen for his second TOUR title. pic.twitter.com/l0RzN3wcke
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 27, 2025
Kitayama began his third round on Saturday, July 26, with a birdie on the opening hole. He then went on a hot streak, sinking five straight birdies from holes 3 to 7, and added another on the ninth. On the back nine, he tallied five more birdies, with his only blemish being a bogey on the 17th, ending the day with an outstanding 11-under 60.
On Sunday, he continued his strong play with three consecutive birdies to open his round, eventually carding a 6-under 65. His weekend total was enough to edge the competition and seal the win.
Adding to the significance of the victory was the presence of Kitayama’s elder brother, Daniel, who served as his caddie. In his post-round remarks, Kitayama expressed how meaningful it was to share the win with his brother, calling it a memorable and emotional moment.
Earlier this season, Kitayama experienced both highs and lows. He missed cuts at events like the Farmers Insurance Open, the Mexico Open, and the Cognizant Classic. However, he also recorded strong finishes, including T5 results at both the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the John Deere Classic. He also earned a T14 at the Barracuda Championship and finished T33 at The Players Championship.
With this latest triumph, Kitayama’s season has taken a major turn, and his record-setting weekend has firmly placed him in the spotlight.