3M Championship players to watch

Eighty-one players will tee off beginning Friday morning for the 24th annual 3M Championship at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. They range from former 3M champions — including two-time winner Bernhard Langer and two-time defending champion Kenny Perry — to seeing-the-course-for-the-first-time guys.

Here is a closer look at some of the participants:

Billy Andrade: In a nod to consistent play, he is second on the money list but has yet to post a victory. He has placed second twice, including losing in a playoff at the Allianz Championship.

Tom Lehman: Co-designer of the course and fan favorite has been close in Blaine (runner up in 2011; sixth last year) and should feed off home-state energy. Has five top-10s in 13 events this season.

Wes Short Jr.: The 52-year-old made it through sectional qualifying to get into his first U.S. Open earlier this summer. He's eighth on the Champions Tour money list, with three top-10 finishes in his past four starts

Joe Durant: Worst start since missing the cut at the Senior PGA Championship in late May was a tie for 15th at the American Family Insurance Championship. Shot opening-round 69 here last year.

John Daly: He averages more than 6 yards longer off the tee than any other Champions Tour player. Has yet to finish in the top 10 but has also shot five rounds in the 60s.

Miguel Angel Jimenez: Nearly won the Senior British Open two weeks ago, finishing tied for third. He has a victory and four other top-five finishes in his past five events. Scoring average of 68.9 this season is second only to Langer's 68.84.

BRIAN STENSAAS