Michael Kim Makes History with Stunning 59 at 3M Open

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: Michael Kim is thrilled to be "part of the history books" after a superb 12-under-par round of 59 at the 3M Open in Minnesota.

The American drained a 24-foot birdie putt at the final hole to post just the 16th sub-60 round ever on the US PGA Tour. This remarkable achievement places Kim alongside some of the most celebrated names in history, as sub-60 rounds are exceedingly rare and often considered a benchmark of extraordinary performance on the tour.

Kim birdied the last four holes at TPC Twin Cities course in Blaine, lifting both arms in triumph when the putt on 18 rolled in before unleashing a mighty fist-pump. This emotional reaction is indicative of the pressure and excitement that accompanies such a significant milestone in a er's career. It is a moment that not only solidifies his place in the annals of history but also serves as a personal pinnacle of achievement.

The 33-year-old had 12 birdies without a bogey to finish his second round in the lead, three shots in front of compatriot Ben Kohles. This performance not only showcased Kim's exceptional skill but also highlighted his ability to maintain composure under pressure, a crucial aspect of professional . In a where the mental game is as important as physical prowess, Kim's ability to stay focused and execute his game plan effectively was key to his success on this day.

Seoul-born Kim is the 15th player to reach the magic number of 59 on the US tour. This list includes legendary ers such as Al Geiberger, who was the first to achieve this feat in 1977, and Jim Furyk, who shot a tour-record 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship, having previously made 59 at the 2013 BMW Championship. The rarity of such scores adds to their prestige, making Kim's accomplishment all the more noteworthy. The elite company he now keeps serves as a reminder of the high level of competition present on the PGA Tour and the extraordinary talent required to achieve such a score.

"I kind of remember thinking on 18 that you have to go for it, 60 or 61 doesn't really make too much of a difference," said Kim, whose previous best round was a 62. This statement reflects a mindset common among elite athletes, where the pursuit of excellence often drives them to push past their limits. By focusing on the moment and the opportunity to make history, Kim exemplified the mental fortitude necessary to succeed at the highest levels of competition. His willingness to embrace the moment rather than play it safe is indicative of a player who understands the stakes involved in professional .

Kim's sensational day included five birdies in a row from the third through the seventh holes, a run launched with an 11-foot birdie putt at the third. This early momentum set the tone for the rest of his round, allowing him to build confidence and rhythm as he progressed through the course. Such a strong start is often crucial in , where the psychological edge gained from early success can carry a player through the remainder of their round.

He made a 12-footer at the par-three fourth, landed his approach within five feet and made that at the fifth, sank a 10-foot birdie at the sixth and a two-footer at seven. Such consistency in his putting and approach shots is indicative of a er who is not only skilled but also in tune with the course conditions and his own game. The ability to read greens and judge distances accurately is a hallmark of top-tier ers, and Kim's performance exemplified these traits throughout his round.

Kim added back-to-back birdies at the ninth and 10th and one more at 12 before launching his closing burst with a birdie from just inside 12 feet at the 15th. This strong finish is often a hallmark of great rounds, where players capitalize on their momentum and confidence to close out their rounds strongly. The psychological aspect of finishing strong cannot be understated, as it often separates the good players from the great ones.

He kept it going with a 13-foot birdie at 16 and drilled a 17-foot birdie putt at the par-three 17th. "I made a really nice birdie putt on 16. It had a lot of break to it and it went in dead centre," Kim said. This level of precision under pressure is a testament to his skill and focus, as making such putts can be challenging, especially in high-stakes situations. The pressure of maintaining momentum while approaching such historic scores can lead to mistakes, but Kim's execution under pressure was flawless.

"There's a lot of water on 17 and 18 and I just kind of told myself like 'hey, this is the way - this is the moment to get into the history books and let's go for it, let's not try to luck our way into it, let's try to step up and hit some really good shots.'" This statement reflects the mentality of a er who understands the significance of the moment and is willing to embrace the challenge rather than shy away from it. The pressure of hitting shots over water, particularly in the closing holes of a round that could define one's career, is immense, and Kim's ability to rise to the occasion speaks volumes about his character and determination.

The implications of Kim's historic round extend beyond just personal achievement; they resonate throughout the ing community and the broader s world. Achieving a score of 59 not only enhances his career profile but also raises the stakes for future tournaments. Other ers may feel inspired by Kim's performance, pushing them to strive for similar excellence in their own games. The psychological impact of such achievements can lead to a new standard of performance within the , as competitors are often motivated by the records set by their peers.

Moreover, this achievement can have significant ramifications for Kim's professional trajectory. A performance of this caliber can lead to increased sponsorship opportunities, greater media attention, and a more substantial fan following. As he continues to compete in future tournaments, the expectations and pressure will undoubtedly increase, but so too will the opportunities that come with being recognized as one of the elite players in the . The potential for career advancements, including endorsements and invitations to prestigious tournaments, could significantly alter the landscape of Kim's professional journey.

In conclusion, Michael Kim's stunning 59 at the 3M Open is a landmark achievement in his career and a significant moment in the history of professional . As he reflects on this accomplishment, it will likely serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for both Kim and his fellow competitors. The ing community will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to build on this remarkable performance in the tournaments to come. This historic round not only elevates Kim's status within the but also serves as a reminder of the extraordinary feats that can be achieved with talent, determination, and a fearless approach to competition.