Michael Kim recorded a 12-under-par round of 59 at the 3M Open in Minnesota, marking a significant achievement in professional golf. The round, which included 12 birdies and no bogeys, positions Kim as a leader in the tournament after his second round at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.
Kim’s performance included a dramatic 24-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, which secured the sub-60 score. This round is the 16th instance of a score of 59 or lower in the history of the PGA Tour. Kim is the 15th golfer to achieve this milestone on the tour.
A Historic Performance
The 33-year-old golfer, who was born in Seoul, demonstrated exceptional play throughout his round. His previous best score was a 62. Kim’s round included a remarkable stretch of five consecutive birdies from the third through the seventh holes. This run began with an 11-foot birdie putt at the third hole.
During this impressive sequence, Kim made a 12-footer at the par-three fourth hole. He then landed his approach shot within five feet at the fifth hole, converting that into a birdie. He followed this with a 10-foot birdie at the sixth and a two-footer at the seventh.
Kim continued his strong play with back-to-back birdies at the ninth and 10th holes. He added another birdie at the 12th before initiating a closing surge. This final push included a birdie from just under 12 feet at the 15th hole.
He maintained his momentum with a 13-foot birdie at the 16th hole. Kim then drilled a 17-foot birdie putt at the par-three 17th, setting the stage for his final dramatic putt on the 18th.
Reflecting on the Round
Following his historic round, Kim expressed his excitement, stating that it felt “pretty cool” to be “part of the history books.” He recalled his mindset approaching the 18th hole, noting that he felt compelled to “go for it,” believing that a score of 60 or 61 would not have the same impact.
Kim’s 12-under 59 is his career best and has also set a new course record at TPC Twin Cities. His score places him three shots ahead of fellow competitor Ben Kohles. Kim is currently 14-under through 36 holes and holds the lead in the tournament.
He described the pressure of the final holes, particularly with water hazards on the 17th and 18th. Kim recounted telling himself that this was the moment to make history, focusing on hitting good shots rather than relying on luck. He highlighted the satisfaction of making critical putts on the 17th and 18th as a significant aspect of golf.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The achievement places Kim among an elite group of golfers. Jim Furyk holds the tour record for the lowest score, a 58, achieved at the 2016 Travelers Championship. The most recent golfer to record a round of 59 or lower before Kim was Jake Knapp at the 2025 The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
Kim’s performance on Friday marks the first sub-60 round of the current season. With 36 holes remaining, Kim will aim to build on this momentum as he seeks his second career win on the PGA Tour.
His second round concluded with him in the lead, three shots ahead of Ben Kohles.
Source: bbc.com
