A Rare Shot in Minnesota
The golf world just witnessed another magical number on the scorecard. Michael Kim carded a 59 during the second round of the 3M Open. This marks the 15th time in PGA Tour history a player has broken the 60-barrier in a single round. The moment happened at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. Kim sealed the deal with a 24-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole. It was a bogey-free performance that left the crowd in awe. According to ESPN Golf, this achievement places Kim in a very small and exclusive club of elite scorers.
Such low scores are becoming a talking point in modern golf. Jake Knapp was the last to shoot a 59, doing so during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Kim’s round stands as a testament to precision and nerve. He finished the day at 14-under for the tournament. This score gives him a massive advantage as the weekend approaches. The atmosphere at TPC Twin Cities turned electric as the final putt dropped.
The Path to Perfection
Kim’s round wasn’t just luck; it was built on a foundation of consistent birdies. He made five straight birdies beginning on the number 3 hole. This early surge set the tone for the rest of his day. He added three more birdies in a four-hole stretch starting at the number 9 hole. These specific sequences were crucial in keeping his momentum high. He avoided any bogeys entirely, which is rare even for top-tier professionals. According to Google News Golf reporting, the round was a masterclass in ball striking and putting under pressure.
Before this historic day, Kim’s previous career-low round was a 62 (a score that now feels like a lifetime ago). That 62 made this 59 even more significant. It showed a massive leap in his performance level. Kim had been struggling with consistency leading up to this event. He finished second in the Valero Texas Open back in April. However, his results in the 12 tournaments since then were mixed. His best finish in that span was a 17th-place show. He also missed four cuts during that period. This included missing the cut at the British Open, the Scottish Open, and the John Deere Classic. Those recent misses made his return to form even more impressive.
The final four holes of the round were where the magic truly happened. Kim birdied each of the last four holes to reach the 59. This closing surge is often the hardest part of a round. The pressure mounts as the round nears completion. Kim handled the moment with the poise of a veteran. He didn’t let the weight of the history lesson slow him down. Instead, he used the pressure to fuel his putting stroke. The 24-foot birdie putt on the 18th was the final piece of the puzzle. It capped off a flawless day on the course.
Why This Score Matters
A 59 is more than just a low number. It represents a peak performance that few players ever achieve. For a golfer like Kim, who had missed three cuts in a row, this round is a game-changer. It signals a return to the form that earned him a runner-up finish earlier in the year. The psychological boost of shooting a 59 can’t be overstated. It proves to the player and the field that he belongs at the top of the leaderboard. This round likely breaks the mental barrier he faced during his recent slump.
The rarity of the score adds to its weight. With only 14 previous 59s in history, the list of achievers is short. Joining this group cements a player’s legacy in the sport. Kim’s performance at TPC Twin Cities shows that the course can play extremely well for the right player. It also highlights the high level of play on the PGA Tour. When the putts fall and the ball strikes the sweet spot, anything is possible. This round serves as a reminder of the excitement that competitive golf can provide. Fans love to see history made, and this was a perfect example.
What Comes Next for Kim
Now the question becomes what Kim can do with this momentum. He enters the weekend with a significant lead or a strong position near the top. The field will be hunting him down over the next two rounds. Can he maintain this level of play? The pressure will be on to defend his score. Fans should watch how he handles the early holes on Saturday. If he starts fast again, he could be in serious contention for the title. A 59 is often a prelude to a major victory or a top-ten finish. The golf world will be watching closely to see if he can turn this historic round into a trophy.
