The 2026 3M Open produced one of the most memorable rounds in the tournament’s history as Michael Kim carded a remarkable 12-under-par 59 to set a new course record at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.
Kim’s historic performance immediately became the biggest storyline of the opening round, vaulting him to the top of the leaderboard while earning him a place in PGA Tour history.
His score surpassed the previous tournament course record and made him one of the few golfers ever to break the 60-shot barrier in an official PGA Tour event.
The new benchmark at TPC Twin Cities now stands at 59, replacing the previous course record of 60, which had stood since the tournament’s earlier editions.
Kim’s round featured a near-flawless display of ball-striking and putting, allowing him to navigate one of the PGA Tour‘s most birdie-friendly venues with remarkable efficiency.
Throughout the day, he consistently attacked pins, took advantage of the course’s scoring opportunities and avoided costly mistakes.
The achievement also placed him in elite company. Rounds of 59 or better remain among the rarest accomplishments in PGA Tour history, with only a select group of players having reached that milestone in official competition.
Following the round, Kim acknowledged how special the moment was while also keeping his attention on the remainder of the tournament.
Although the opening-round lead is significant, the PGA Tour season has repeatedly shown that early success does not always guarantee a victory on Sunday.
Even so, beginning a tournament with a record-setting 59 immediately established Kim as one of the favorites heading into the weekend.
TPC Twin Cities has earned a reputation as a venue where aggressive golf can be rewarded, but producing a score below 60 still requires exceptional execution over all 18 holes.
TPC Twin Cities continues producing low scores
Since joining the PGA Tour schedule in 2019, TPC Twin Cities has become known for generating plenty of birdies and exciting finishes.
Designed by Arnold Palmer with consultation from Tom Lehman, the course measures more than 7,400 yards and plays as a par 71.
While numerous water hazards create risk throughout the layout, wide landing areas and receptive greens often encourage players to attack flags aggressively.
Past champions have routinely posted winning scores well into double digits under par, reinforcing the course’s reputation as one where elite iron play and hot putting can lead to exceptionally low rounds.
Before Kim’s performance, the tournament record had been shared by several outstanding rounds, including a 60 that stood as the benchmark at TPC Twin Cities. His 59 now becomes the standard every future competitor will attempt to match or surpass.
The achievement is especially noteworthy given the pressure associated with approaching golf’s magic number.
Many players have entered the closing holes with an opportunity to shoot 59, only to fall just short after a missed birdie chance or late bogey.
Kim successfully completed the task, adding another memorable chapter to the tournament’s relatively young history.
Beyond the course record, the round significantly strengthened Kim’s position in the FedExCup standings as players continue battling for playoff spots and PGA Tour status.
Every strong finish during the closing stretch of the season carries added importance with postseason qualification and future exemptions at stake.
His opening-round performance also served as another reminder of the depth of talent on the PGA Tour.
While many of the game’s biggest stars attract the majority of attention each week, players throughout the field remain capable of producing historic rounds when every aspect of their game comes together.
Whether Kim ultimately converts his fast start into a tournament victory remains to be seen, but his place in 3M Open history is already secure.
For now, 59 is the number every player arriving at TPC Twin Cities will be chasing. Michael Kim’s brilliant opening round established a new course record that may stand for years, highlighting both his exceptional play and the scoring potential that has made the 3M Open one of the PGA Tour’s most entertaining summer events.
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