Michael Kim made history on July 25, 2026, at the PGA Tour's 3M Open by shooting a remarkable 12-under-par 59 during the second round, becoming only the 16th player in PGA Tour history to achieve such a score.
Why it matters: Kim's performance marks a personal best and highlights a rare achievement in professional golf. His 59 is the first of the season and sets a new course record at TPC Twin Cities.
- Kim's round included 12 birdies and no bogeys, a feat that showcases his exceptional skill and focus throughout the day.
- This score ties him for the second-lowest single-round score in PGA Tour history, just behind Jim Furyk's 58, set in 2016.
- The accomplishment comes after a challenging streak where Kim had struggled to make cuts in recent tournaments, including the British Open and Scottish Open.
Driving the news: The 3M Open, held at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, features a total prize purse of $8.8 million. Kim's outstanding performance propelled him from a tie for 43rd place after the first round to the solo lead with a two-round total of 14-under-par 128.
- Starting the day with a 69 in the first round, Kim significantly improved his standing with his record-breaking 59.
- He finished three strokes ahead of a group of players tied for second, including Ben Cols, Chandler Phillips, and Emiliano Grillo, who all shot 11-under-par 131.
State of play: Kim's second-round performance was characterized by a blistering start, making five consecutive birdies from the 3rd to the 7th holes.
- His front nine was completed in a stunning 29 strokes, setting the tone for the rest of the round.
- He continued his momentum into the back nine, where he secured birdies on the final four holes, culminating in the historic 59.
What they're saying: After his record-setting round, Kim expressed his excitement and determination to maintain focus for the remaining rounds.
- “Today was truly an amazing day, but the tournament is only half over,” Kim said. “I need to concentrate on the weekend games.”
- He acknowledged the pressure of knowing he needed to birdie the last four holes to achieve the 59, stating, “I told myself this was a moment to make history. I had to attack.”
By the numbers: Kim's performance included impressive statistics that underline his skill.
- Of his 12 birdies, 8 were made from distances over 10 feet, demonstrating his exceptional putting ability.
- He recorded a total of 21 putts during the round, with successful putts totaling approximately 145 feet.
The big picture: This victory could mark a turning point in Kim's career. Having won his first PGA Tour title at the John Deere Classic in 2018, he now seeks his second win after an 8-year drought.
- His latest performance has reignited interest in his career, especially after a series of missed cuts that led him to reconsider participating in this tournament.
- Kim's success could inspire other players who have faced similar struggles on tour, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
What's next: As the tournament progresses, Kim will face challenges from top players, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is currently tied for 13th at 7-under-par 135.
- Kim's ability to maintain his form and composure in the upcoming rounds will be key to securing his second career victory.
- With two rounds remaining, the competition remains fierce, and Kim will need to continue his stellar play to hold onto his lead.
As the PGA Tour 3M Open continues, attention will turn to Michael Kim to see if he can convert this historic performance into a long-awaited second win.