Michael Kim recorded a historic 12-under par 59 during the second round of the 3M Open on Friday at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, becoming the 15th player ever to shoot a sub-60 round on the PGA Tour. The 59 marks the 16th time in tour history that a player has reached this milestone.

Kim, a Seoul-born American, birdied the final four holes, including a decisive 24-foot putt on the 18th that secured his place in golfing history. His round included 12 birdies and no bogeys, propelling him to a 14-under total and a three-shot lead heading into the final rounds of the tournament.

Among past record holders is Jim Furyk, who holds the tour record with a 58, set at the 2016 Travelers Championship. Kim’s previous best round was a 62, making the 59 an exceptional performance for the 30-year-old golfer.

During his round, Kim displayed remarkable consistency and precision. He started his birdie streak with a putt from 11 feet at the third hole and followed with birdies on the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh holes. He continued to add birdies at the ninth, tenth, twelfth, and then closed with a strong finish, hitting birdies at holes 15, 16, 17, and 18. On the 16th, he sank a challenging 13-foot birdie putt, and on the par-three 17th, he made a 17-foot birdie to maintain momentum.

Kim reflected on his approach to the final hole, saying he recognized the rare opportunity and decided to aggressively pursue the sub-60 round rather than settle for a lower score. “I kind of remembered thinking on 18 that you have to go for it, 60 or 61 doesn’t really make too much of a difference,” he said. “To shoot 59 today was pretty cool and feels like I’m part of the history books.”

Despite the final score, Kim noted that he did not feel completely in top form throughout the round. “Some shots I didn’t feel like supremely confident over,” he said. “I was kind of happy I got away with par on 13.” However, he credited his putting for helping to maintain momentum. “When you hit a putt and it does exactly what you kind of envisioned before you hit it, it’s an awesome feeling.”

Kim’s achievement at the 3M Open not only positions him as the player to beat but also places him among golf’s elite performers, showcasing his potential as the tournament moves into its concluding stages.