Golfer Michael Kim Drains 59 in Historic PGA Round

Michael Kim literally jumped for joy after draining a 24-foot putt that cemented his name in golf history forever.

The American golfer shot a stunning 12-under-par 59 during the second round of the 3M Open in Minnesota, becoming only the 15th player to break 60 on the PGA Tour. When his final putt rolled in at the 18th hole, Kim lifted both arms in triumph and unleashed a mighty fist pump.

"To shoot 59 was pretty cool and feels like I'm part of the history books," said the 33-year-old Seoul-born golfer, whose previous career-best round was a 62.

Kim's magical day at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine featured 12 birdies without a single bogey. He rattled off five straight birdies from holes three through seven, then added back-to-back birdies at nine and 10 before closing with four consecutive birdies to reach the magic number.

The pressure was on as Kim approached the final holes. He needed to stay aggressive despite water hazards lurking on the last two holes. "I just kind of told myself like 'hey, this is the way, this is the moment to get into the history books and let's go for it,'" Kim explained.

His courage paid off with birdies from 12 feet at the 15th, 13 feet at the 16th, and 17 feet at the par-three 17th. Standing on the 18th tee, Kim knew the stakes had changed entirely.

"I kind of remember thinking on 18 that you have to go for it, 60 or 61 doesn't really make too much of a difference," he said. So he went for it.

Why This Inspires

Kim's round proves that sometimes the biggest moments come when we stop playing it safe. He could have protected a good score, but instead he chose to chase greatness. That decision to be bold rather than cautious turned a solid tournament round into a lifetime achievement.

His performance put him three shots ahead of fellow American Ben Kohles and in position to win his second PGA Tour title. Only Jim Furyk has shot lower on tour, with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.

For a golfer who'd never come close to 59 before, Kim showed that historic performances can happen when preparation meets opportunity and courage.