Michael Kim fired a historic 59 at the 3M Open Friday, sinking a 24-foot birdie putt on the 18th at TPC Twin Cities to become the 15th player in PGA TOUR history to break 60. He reached 14-under 128, taking a three-shot lead into the weekend.
Key Point
- Kim’s bogey-free round featured eight birdies from outside 10 feet, including five straight starting on No. 3.
- Ben Kohles sits three back at TPC Twin Cities after a 2-under 69, tied with Chandler Phillips and Emiliano Grillo at 11 under.
- This is the fourth 59 on the PGA TOUR since 2024; Jim Furyk holds the record with a 58.
- Scottie Scheffler fell seven shots back after water on No. 14 produced a double bogey.
How Michael Kim Fires Historic 59 at TPC Twin Cities
Michael Kim fired a historic 59 by birdieing his final four holes at TPC Twin Cities, capping the round with a 24-foot uphill putt on the 18th that he stroked firmly to avoid leaving it short.
The round was the fourth sub-60 score on the PGA TOUR mostly seeing as 2024. Jake Knapp last accomplished the feat at the 2025 Cognizant Classic.
Kim had missed three straight cuts entering this event and considered skipping after five consecutive weeks of play. He went home, rested briefly, and arrived in Blaine feeling refreshed.
“Today was an awesome day, but still, I’m only halfway there so still need to kind of get focused up for the weekend.”
For the average user, his previous career-low was a 62, and eight birdies came from beyond 10 feet, meaning his putting carried the round. His lone PGA TOUR win came at the 2018 John Deere Classic. Since a runner-up finish at the Valero Texas Open in April, his best result in 12 starts was a tie for 17th.
Ben Kohles Three Back at TPC Twin Cities
Naturally, kohles entered Friday with a two-shot lead, which means but shot a 2-under 69, dropping into a tie for second. His interview was interrupted by a roar when Kim’s final putt dropped.
“That’s sick,” Kohles said, smiling. “There’s a 59. I guess 62 wasn’t as good.”
Naturally, chandler Phillips fired a 65 and Emiliano Grillo carded a 67 to join Kohles at 11 under. That’s a major gap. Precisely. Plus, morning conditions stayed calm before wind gusts reached 20 mph, making afternoon scoring far tougher.
Grillo noted that a 59 was nowhere to be found during his round.
Scheffler Stumbles Late
1 Scottie Scheffler reached 9 under. Before his approach found water at the 14th, producing a double bogey. His tee shot at the par-3 17th landed in right rough, and his second from an awkward lie skidded 34 feet past. He bogeyed, shot 70, and sits seven back.
“Just got a bad break, but that happens,” Scheffler said.
Our Final Opinion
Michael Kim firing a historic 59 at TPC Twin Cities is a story of resilience. He nearly withdrew after five grueling weeks and three straight missed cuts; instead, he produced one of golf’s rarest scores.
The weekend will test whether he can hold his lead. His recent form suggests inconsistency, but a bogey-free 59 builds confidence no practice round can replicate.
Ben Kohles remains within striking distance at three back, and afternoon winds will tighten the scoring window. True enough. If kim stays aggressive like he did on 17 and 18.
News & image source: https://www.pgatour.com/news/2026/07/25/michael-kim-fires-historic-59-ben-kohles-three-back-tpc-twin-cities