The PGA Tour makes its return to TPC Twin Cities to play the 2023 3M Open. The course features some wide fairways, but there’s also plenty of danger on the course as well, with water all over the course. Players who bomb it off the tee have won on three of the four occasions the tournament has been played, but players can also contend with sharp iron play and hot putting.

• Related: Vincenzi’s 3M Open betting preview: Aberg to Ace TPC Twin Cities test

In the past four editions of the 3M Open, there have been eight first-round leaders or co-leaders. Of the eight, four started their rounds in the morning wave, and four started in the afternoon. Five of the eight first-round leaders have started on the first hole and three have started on the 10th.

As of now, the winds don’t look to favor any starting time. The wind will be blowing 6-12 MPH all day with gust about 16-20 MPH.

2023 3M Open First-Round Leader Picks

Nicolai Hojgaard +6000 (FanDuel)

First-Round Tee Time: 2:22 p.m. CT

Nicolai Hojgaard is coming off of a Open Championship where he played really well but didn’t feel the weight of contending over the weekend. He gained strokes both off the tee and on approach and his power and style of play should suit TPC Twin Cities nicely.

In his past 24 measured rounds, Hojgaard ranks 6th in Birdie or Better Gained, 14th in Eagles Gained and 14th in Opportunities Gained.

Nicolai gives us an afternoon tee time to chase the lead late on Thursday.

Chesson Hadley +9000 (FanDuel)

First-Round Tee Time: 8:24 a.m. CT

Chesson Hadley typically gets hot around this time of year and showed that he may be starting to gain some form at last week’s Barracuda Championship. Chesson finished in a tie for 6th at the event and was especially good on Sunday. He shot a 65 and had five birdies and an eagle.

Hadley also has had some success at TPC Twin Cities, including a 10th place finish last year. He opened the week with three consecutive rounds in the 60’s before struggling on Sunday.

The 36-year-old’s streaky nature and ability to catch fire on the greens make him an ideal first-round-leader play this week.

Chez Reavie +9000 (FanDuel)

First-Round Tee Time: 7:18 a.m. CT

Chez Reavie has been playing great golf over the past month and has gained at least three strokes on approach in each of his past four measured starts. He also does a lot of things well that I look for in a first-round-leader bet. In his past 24 rounds, Chez ranks in the top 20 in this field in: Strokes Gained: Putting (18th), Eagles Gained (16th) and Oppurtunites Gained (6th).

Reavie finished 11th here in 2021 and can get his irons hot enough to overcome his lack of power off the tee.

James Hahn +11000 (FanDuel)

First-Round Tee Time: 8:13 a.m. CT

James Hahn found himself deep in contention at last year’s 3M Open. He shot a 65 on Sunday to finish in a tie for 4th place. For the week, he gained 6.3 strokes on approach and 5.5 strokes putting.

Hahn is another player who played well at last week’s Barracuda Championship. He opened with an impressive round that included three birdies and two eagles and was a +14 for the round (Stableford scoring).

Hahn will be looking to carry the momentum from his strong performance into a hot start at the 3M Open.

Marty Dou +12500 (FanDuel)

First-Round Tee Time: 8:35 a.m. CT

Marty Dou showed his talent at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, finishing 17th and posting four rounds in the 60’s. Dou ranks 5th in the field in his past 24 rounds in Birdie or Better: Gained and can get hot in a hurry.

The 26-year-old is the type of golfer who can go really low at any given time. That was once again on display at last week’s Barracuda Championship, where he shot the round of the day on Friday (+16 Stableford). His round included seven birdies and an eagle.

Dou can use his scoring ability to post a low one on Thursday at TPC Twin Cities.