Full Breakdown
Michael Kim’s 59 Propels Him to a Three-Shot Lead at the 2026 3M Open
7/26/2026, 1:15:49 PM
Core Event
On July 24, 2026 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, Michael Kim shot a 12-under-par 59 in the second round of the 3M Open. The round featured 12 birdies, no bogeys, and a decisive 24-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th that sealed the historic score. Kim’s total moved to 14-under-par 128, giving him a three-shot advantage heading into the weekend.
Background & Context
Kim entered the tournament ranked 65th in the FedExCup standings, just inside the top-70 cutoff that determines playoff eligibility. He had missed the cut in his three preceding PGA Tour events and was considered to be on the “playoff bubble.” A sub-60 round had not been recorded on the Tour this season until Kim’s 59, making it the 16th such round in PGA Tour history and the first at TPC Twin Cities. The previous sub-60 was posted by Jake Knapp at the 2025 Cognizant Classic.
Data & Statistics
- Score: 59 (12-under) on a par-71 course.
- Birdies: 12 (including five consecutive from holes 3-7 and four consecutive from holes 15-18).
- Putts: Eight birdie putts from 10 feet or farther, totaling more than 145 feet of putts.
- FedExCup Impact: Kim vaulted from 65th to 35th after the first round and, after the 59, sits at 14-under, three shots ahead of the nearest challengers.
- Historical Placement: 16th sub-60 round ever on the PGA Tour; 15th player to record a 59.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the round felt “awesome” but emphasized that “I’m only halfway there,” noting the need to stay focused for the remaining two rounds and to guard against comparing future play to this exceptional day.
Ben Kohles, who led after the first round with a 62, reacted to Kim’s finish with a light-hearted comment that his own 62 “wasn’t as good,” acknowledging the challenge Kim now presents.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who had opened with a bogey-free 66, fell to a tie for 13th after a 70 on Friday, underscoring the shift in the leaderboard caused by Kim’s performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously not as good as yesterday, but yeah, still played just fine,” — Minnesota. Ben Kohles
On-the-Ground Reports
Spectators erupted in a “huge roar” as Kim sank the final putt, and the player celebrated with a fist pump, a gesture captured by multiple outlets. The crowd’s reaction highlighted the rarity of a 59 and its immediate impact on tournament atmosphere.
Why It Matters
Kim’s 59 not only rewrote the record books but also dramatically altered the playoff race. By moving into a three-shot lead, he positioned himself as a serious contender for the tournament title and secured a vital boost toward the FedExCup cutoff. The round also underscores the increasing volatility of the Tour’s leaderboard, where a single extraordinary performance can reshape the competitive landscape late in the regular season.
What’s Next
The 3M Open concludes on Sunday, with Kim needing to maintain his composure over the final two rounds to convert the historic round into a victory. He will face a strong field that includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who remains within striking distance.
