24-yo Jacob Bridgeman details struggling to adjust with new rookie territory after leading the 3M Open

PGA Tour rookie Jacob Bridgeman made a solid start at the 3M Open, taking the early first-round lead with an 8-under 63. Following his impressive round, he expressed a bit of relief after going through a difficult phase in the last few weeks.

Bridgeman entered the TPC Twin Cities after missing three straight cuts. However, he put those bad results behind him with a strong performance on Thursday, July 25. His impressive round included nine birdies and a bogey. This is the first time in his rookie season that he has taken the first-round lead.

In a post-round interview, Jacob Bridgeman reflected on his struggles in recent weeks.

"I kind of struggled with my golf game the last three weeks," he said. "My mental game the last three weeks. I was in kind of a rough place. Never had struggles with my confidence until these last few weeks and I told a couple people I felt like I've been kicked in the face."

However, he added that it was still all new for him as a rookie, and he had to constantly remind himself that he was still young.

"These are all new courses that I'm facing every week," he added. "I have to learn them. I don't have the 10-plus years of experience that some of these other guys have, so it's not the easiest thing in the world. But I had to kind of change my mindset, reset this week, take a couple days of rest and I thought I did well today."

Ahead of this week, Bridgeman had made ten cuts in eighteen starts but had yet to register a top-ten finish. However, he has taken his first step in the right direction toward it this week.

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When will Jacob Bridgeman tee off at the 3M Open on Friday?

Jacob Bridgeman is grouped with Trace Crowe and Neal Shipley for the second round of the 3M Open. The trio will resume play on Friday, July 26, at 3:11 pm ET from the tenth tee.

Following the first round, Bridgeman holds a one-stroke lead over Mackenzie Hughes, who shot a 64 on Thursday. Patrick Rodgers, Martin Trainer, and Andrew Novak are tied for third at 6-under.

The second round of the 3M Open will begin at 7:45 am ET, with Henrik Norlander, Dylan Wu, and Max Greyserman teeing off from the first hole. At the same time, Callum Tarren, Matti Schmid, and Mac Meissner will resume play from the tenth tee.