If you tuned into the final round of the 3M Open expecting routine broadcast fare, Jim Nantz had other plans. The iconic CBS commentator dropped a baffling line that nearly flew under the radar, sparking confusion and laughter across the golf world. While Kurt Kitayama clinched his second PGA Tour victory, it was Nantz’s choice of words that lit up the post-round chatter.

Kitayama, affectionately dubbed “Kitty Kat” by fans and broadcasters, already had a reputation for clutch performances on Arnold Palmer-designed courses. His win at TPC Twin Cities added another feather to his cap. But what should’ve been a celebration of his gritty finish turned into a bizarre broadcast moment that no one saw coming.

Nantz drops the line as Kitayama closes it out

The now-infamous line arrived during a wrap-up segment in the 3M hospitality suite. Amid jokes about upside-down hats and corny giveaways, Jim Nantz deadpanned: “The 3M has a 2K winner: Kurt Kitayama.” Six words that sounded like classic Nantz—clever, but maybe too clever.

Joseph LaMagna, joining PJ and Brendan Porath on the Shotgun Series of the Fried Egg Golf Podcast, responded with immediate confusion: “What does that mean? 2K?” No one on the call had a good answer. PJ noted that Nantz was probably more focused on prepping for Mahomes and Allen than Sunday’s Kitayama-Stevens finish, while Brendan added, “This isn’t supposed to be his lane.”

It was one of those booth moments where everyone chuckles and shrugs it off, but it stuck. In a tournament that was already struggling to generate buzz, that line became the weird little footnote fans actually remembered.

The 3M Open: more confusion than clarity

To be fair, the 3M Open itself didn’t provide much help. The field lacked spark, and the course—TPC Twin Cities—wasn’t doing anyone favors. Joseph labeled it “a soulless golf course,” adding, “Even Minnesotans probably won’t be offended.” PJ agreed, pointing out how the neighborhood backdrop felt overly curated and lacking authenticity.

From the opening round, there was a sense that this event was running on fumes. Even Brendan, reporting from the beach, admitted the week lacked momentum. “It’s not like anyone’s lining up for a Kitayama-Sam Stevens duel,” he joked. The broadcast team noted how sparse the energy felt onsite, with awkward promotions and barely-there sponsor enthusiasm.

The “MM” hats—an attempt at quirky branding—landed flat. In fact, the upside-down hat stunt became a metaphor for the entire weekend: confusing, slightly off-brand, and hard to take seriously. As Brendan said, “You can’t put that kind of pressure on guys trying to make the FedExCup playoffs and throw this circus around them.”

Still, Kitayama delivered. His clutch performance in the final stretch reminded everyone why he’s a legit threat on tough layouts. The problem? No one was really talking about the golf. They were stuck on Nantz’s head-scratcher quote and the strange energy surrounding the broadcast.

With one week left before the Wyndham Championship, the 3M Open should’ve been a last chance for fringe players to make a statement. Instead, it turned into a lesson in awkward media moments—and how even the best in the booth can drop a line that makes the entire golf world do a double take.

So while the trophy belongs to Kurt Kitayama, the spotlight—oddly enough—belonged to Jim Nantz and six little words: “The 3M has a 2K champion.” A line that made no sense, made everyone laugh, and somehow made the 3M Open unforgettable.