Michael Kim Shoots Historic 59 to Lead 3M Open

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Golfer Michael Kim shot a 12-under 59 during the second round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, recording just the 16th sub-60 score in PGA Tour history.

Michael Kim’s Round at TPC Twin Cities

Kim teed off early at 7:07 a.m. local time as part of the third group of the day. According to his post-round statements, he jump-started his momentum with five consecutive birdies on holes 3 through 7, adding another on the 9th to turn in 29. He maintained his clean card on the back nine, adding birdies on the 10th and 12th holes before charging down the stretch.

Needing four birdies over the final four holes to break 60, Kim delivered by making a 12-footer on the 15th, a 14-footer on the 16th, and a 17-footer on the 17th par-3. On the par-5 18th hole, which features water hazards along the entire right side and fronting the green, Kim hit a cautious driver, laid up, and hit his wedge shot to 24 feet and 4 inches before sinking the final putt. His performance marked the first sub-60 score on the PGA Tour since Jake Knapp shot a 59 at PGA National the previous year, according to the source.

Overcoming Recent Struggles and Tournament Context

Entering the 3M Open, Kim had missed three consecutive cuts and nearly skipped the event entirely. He played six straight weeks of events and spent a few days recovering at home in Texas after missing the cut at Royal Birkdale before deciding to travel to Minnesota to build FedEx Cup points ahead of the playoffs.

After opening with a 1-under 69 on Thursday, Kim worked with coach Sean Foley to adjust his ball-striking in crosswinds from the right. The adjustments paid off during Friday’s historic round, where he led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Putting, requiring just 21 putts and converting eight putts from 10 feet or longer. Despite holding the clubhouse lead with the afternoon wave still on the course, Kim noted to reporters that top players like Scottie Scheffler remained in contention with 36 holes left to play.

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