Michael Kim Achieves Rare 59 in PGA Tour at 3M Open

WHO:

ESPN - Michael Kim achieved a rare score in golf history.

ESPN - Ben Kohles was the first-round leader at the 3M Open.

WHAT:

ESPN - Kim birdied the final four holes of his bogey-free round at TPC Twin Cities to get to 14-under for the tournament.

ESPN - This marks the fourth 59 on tour since 2024. Jake Knapp was the last to do so during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic.

ESPN - Kim's mindset is to not play "too protective," especially at the par-3 No. 17 and par-5 No. 18 where water lines each hole.

ESPN - Kim's lone tour win came at the 2018 John Deere Classic.

ESPN - Kim finished second in the Valero Texas Open in April.

ESPN - Kim shot a 69 on Thursday and holds a three-shot lead over first-round leader Ben Kohles after the Friday morning rounds.

ESPN - Kohles shot a 2-under 69 to get to 11-under.

ESPN - Kim's previous career low round was 62.

ESPN - Kim's best finish in 12 tournaments since April was 17th, and he missed four cuts, including the past three weeks at the British Open, Scottish Open, and John Deere Classic.

ESPN - Kim considered skipping this week's tour stop after missing the cut at the Open but decided to participate after spending a couple of days relaxing.

ESPN - Michael Kim carded the 15th 59 in PGA Tour history at the 3M Open.

ESPN - Kim made a 24-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole.

ESPN - Kim finished the round at 14-under for the tournament.

ESPN - This was the fourth 59 on tour since 2024.

ESPN - Jim Furyk holds the tour record with a score of 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.

ESPN - Kim made five straight birdies beginning on No. 3 and added three in a four-hole stretch starting on No. 9.

ESPN - Eight of Kim's birdies were from more than 10 feet.

WHERE:

ESPN - The event took place at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.

WHEN:

ESPN - The 3M Open is currently ongoing, with future rounds to follow.

WHY:

ESPN - Kim aimed to make history and not play "too protective" during his round.

HOW:

ESPN - Kim made a 17-foot birdie putt on No. 17 and executed a wedge shot from 124 yards on the 18th hole.

In an impressive display of skill, Kim birdied the final four holes of his bogey-free round at TPC Twin Cities, finishing the tournament at 14-under. This achievement marks the fourth time a golfer has shot a 59 on tour since 2024, with Jake Knapp being the last to accomplish this during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Kim, who previously won the 2018 John Deere Classic and finished second in the Valero Texas Open in April, is focusing on an aggressive strategy rather than playing it safe, particularly on the challenging par-3 No. 17 and par-5 No. 18, both of which are lined with water.