Michael Kim achieved a significant milestone at the 3M Open. At 33, Kim nearly achieved one of the rarest feats in golf: scoring a sub-60 round. He approached the 18th hole with the potential to notch only the 16th sub-60 round ever recorded in PGA Tour history.

Kim’s crucial wedge shot from the fairway on the par-5 18th hole landed on the fringe, 24 feet from the cup. His objective was clear: do not leave the putt short. “I tend to leave those short when it’s that uphill,” Kim admitted. His focus paid off as he sank the putt, punctuating his round with a celebratory fist pump.

As Kim approached the final holes, he understood the significance of his achievement. “This is the moment to get into the history books,” he reminded himself. His determination to complete the round with skill rather than luck was evident.

Throughout his round, Kim demonstrated remarkable consistency. After starting with five consecutive birdies beginning at the third hole, he made par on the eighth. He quickly returned to form by birdieing three of the next four holes, finishing with four straight birdies.

Kim’s putting was exceptional. Eight out of his 11 birdies were from distances greater than 10 feet. “When you hit a putt and it does exactly what you envisioned, it’s an awesome feeling,” Kim expressed.

Kim’s standout day placed him in a three-shot lead over competitor Ben Kohles. Though pleased, Kim remained focused. “Today was an awesome day, but I’m only halfway there,” he noted.

Kim’s 59 is the fourth such score on the tour since 2024. Jake Knapp achieved this feat during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Meanwhile, Jim Furyk holds the record with a 58 during the 2016 Travelers Championship.