Michael Kim Fires PGA Tour's 15th 59, Seizing 3-Shot 3M Open Lead

Q: With his recent Scottish Open win, does Tom Kim have the momentum to conquer the challenging TPC Twin Cities course?

Yes—Tom Kim has the form to contend at TPC Twin Cities, but “conquering” the course will depend on whether his improved iron play and putting hold up over a low-scoring weekend. The evidence for momentum is strong. Kim arrives two weeks removed from his Genesis Scottish Open victory, where he closed with a 64 for his fourth PGA Tour title. That win followed a season that also included a third-place finish at the U.S. Open, and over his last five tournaments he has averaged more than 2.0 strokes gained total, with especially strong approach numbers. That profile fits TPC Twin Cities well. The course is a par-71 that rewards aggressive scoring but punishes mistakes, with water in play on 15 holes. Success here typically requires precise approach play, controlled driving and enough birdies to keep pace in what often becomes a shootout. Kim’s recent strength with his irons is a major asset, and his improved putting gives him a better chance to convert opportunities on bentgrass greens. There are still reasons for caution. His past results at the 3M Open are solid rather than dominant—T26 in 2022 and T28 in 2025—and his off-the-tee play has not been his strongest statistical category this season. On a course where one loose swing can lead to a penalty, that matters. So the momentum is real, and Kim has the tools to challenge near the top. But with leaders already going very low, he looks more like a serious contender than a clear favorite to run away with the event.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 24

Michael Kim capped a bogey-free 59 with a 24-foot birdie putt on 18, reaching 14 under and taking a three-shot lead through two rounds at the 3M Open.
Twelve birdies powered the round, including four straight to finish, with eight of them coming from beyond 10 feet as Kim beat his previous career low of 62.
Ben Kohles followed his opening lead with a 69 and fell into a tie for second with Chandler Phillips at 11 under after a 65 and Emiliano Grillo after a 67.
Scottie Scheffler slipped seven shots back after a 70, undone by a double bogey at 14 and a bogey at 17 after finding trouble near the water.
The 59 was the fourth on the PGA Tour since 2024 and came after Kim had missed his previous three cuts, underscoring a sharp turnaround heading into the weekend.