American golfer Michael Kim carded a historic 59 on the PGA Tour during the opening round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota, according to event reporting published on July 24, 2026. The 33-year-old achieved the feat by recording twelve birdies and zero bogeys, leaving him at 14 under par and holding a three-stroke lead over compatriot Ben Kohles.
How Michael Kim Secured His 59 on the PGA Tour
Kim anchored his historic round with a blistering finish, sinking four consecutive birdies on his final holes. According to statements provided by the player, he realized the historical significance as he approached the 18th green. He noted that he needed to go for it because finishing with a 60 or 61 would not make a significant difference in the record books.
The stellar performance was largely driven by exceptional play on the greens, where Kim converted multiple long-range putts down the stretch. He stated that making those high-pressure putts delivers the most enjoyment he gets from golf, expressing pride in the execution.
Did you know?
Michael Kim joins an exclusive group of players. According to tour statistics, only 15 players in PGA Tour history have shot 59 or lower on a single round.
Leaderboard Standings at TPC Twin Cities
Following Friday’s play, Michael Kim sits comfortably at the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 14 under par. Fellow American Ben Kohles trails three strokes behind in second place. Among Swedish participants, Jesper Svensson leads the charge, positioned in a tied ninth place at eight under par, while countryman Pontus Nyholm made the cut at five under par, ensuring weekend play.
| Player | Nationality | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Kim | United States | -14 (Leader) |
| Ben Kohles | United States | -11 |
| Jesper Svensson | Sweden | -8 (T9) |
| Pontus Nyholm | Sweden | -5 |
Historical Context of Sub-60 Rounds on the PGA Tour
Breaking the 60-stroke barrier remains one of the rarest achievements in professional golf. The previous sub-60 scorecard on the PGA Tour was recorded in 2025 by Jake Knapp during The Cognizant Classic, according to tour records.
With Kim’s addition to the record books, the elite club expands to 15 members total who have managed to card a 59 or lower.
Pro Tip for Golf Fans
When tracking historical low rounds, pay close attention to strokes gained on the putting green during early rounds. Players who dominate the greens early often sustain momentum through the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last player to shoot 59 on the PGA Tour before Michael Kim?
Jake Knapp was the last player to achieve the feat, carding a 59 in 2025 during The Cognizant Classic.
How many players have shot 59 or lower on the PGA Tour?
A total of 15 players have recorded a score of 59 or lower in the history of the PGA Tour.
What was Michael Kim’s score and lead at the 3M Open?
Michael Kim finished his opening round at 14 under par, giving him a three-stroke lead over Ben Kohles heading into the weekend.
Want to stay updated on the latest PGA Tour records and tournament results? Drop a comment below with your thoughts on Michael Kim’s historic round, explore our related golf coverage, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates straight to your inbox.
Keep reading