Jun 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tom Kim walks on the eighth green during the second round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jun 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tom Kim walks on the eighth green during the second round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Tom Kim started his week at the Charles Schwab Challenge on a great note with a brilliant performance of 6-under 64. However, there was a significant interruption to his fantastic game.
As fate would have it, the promising player was subjected to an unscheduled delay during the last hole due to extremely harsh weather conditions that called for an immediate horn blow to pause play.
"Whether you're playing great or not, just the horn blowing on the last hole just stinks." Kim candidly admitted to the late suspension. The unexpected stoppage completely broke his incredible momentum.
May 28, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Tom Kim watches his shot from the sixth tee during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
May 28, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Tom Kim watches his shot from the sixth tee during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
After the weather delay cleared, Kim returned to the course and two-putted from 52 feet on the par-4 9th hole to save par. This clutch finish finalized his opening round and locked in his score.
His card showed how he played brilliantly on the opening day because there were eight birdies against two bogeys, one at the par-4 5th hole and another at the 7th hole as well.
"I felt like I did a really good job of just kind of putting myself in positions," Kim explained. The impressive performance of the golfer saw him tied for the first-round lead with Lee Hodges, J.J. Spaun, Ryan Gerard, Andrew Putnam, and Matt McCarty.
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Such an opening-round outburst was highly relieving for Kim, who has endured a very quiet season on the PGA Tour until now. Going into this week, the young 23-year-old has managed just one top-10 result in 12 tournaments.
Trending slideshow: The Lowest Round in PGA Tour History: Recorded Since 2001
Aditi Singh
The Lowest Round in PGA Tour History: Recorded Since 2001Golf is often about chasing the major wins, but how you get there also counts. Over the past two decades, players have stunned the PGA Tour with rounds so precise and fearless that they redefined consistency. From sudden ties to heroic comebacks after shaky starts, the story of the lowest rounds reveals determination, resilience, and unforgettable precision in tournaments across the globe. AP Photo/Mic SmithJake Knapp stunned spectators at the Cognizant Class, recording a remarkable 59 in the first round, the lowest of the season. His precise drives and confident putting allowed him to navigate the course flawlessly, capitalising on birdie opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes. Knapp’s performance set a high bar for competitors and highlighted his potential as a formidable presence on the PGA Tour in upcoming seasons. AP Photo/Rebecca BlackwellHayden Springer turned in an extraordinary first-round 59 at the John Deere Classic held at TPC, marking the season’s lowest round (Cameron Young tied it at the Travellers Championship). Springer’s combination of accurate drives, precise iron shots, and strong putting ensured a smooth, near-flawless round. His composure under pressure and ability to seize scoring chances distinguished this performance as a highlight of the season. Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire/ImagoC.T. Pan began the first round at The RSM Classic but struggled, posting a 42 over the first nine holes before withdrawing from the tournament. While this abbreviated round is statistically unusual, it does not reflect a standard low-round performance. Pan’s withdrawal underscores the unpredictable nature of PGA Tour events and the fine margins that separate success from difficulty AP Photo/Yam G-JunTyler McCumber shone at The RSM Classic, producing a season-low round of 60 in the fourth round. His steady drives and accurate approach shots allowed him to manoeuvre the course expertly, while his putting ensured consistent scoring opportunities. McCumber’s resilience in the final round highlighted his competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure, making this performance one of the season’s standout low rounds. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsThe 2020–2021 season featured multiple impressive low rounds. Bryson DeChambeau scored 60 in the second round at the BMW Championship (Caves course), displaying his trademark power and precision. James Hahn also recorded 60 in the third round of the Barbasol Championship at Keene, combining solid shot-making with excellent putting. Cameron Smith matched the feat with a 60 in the third round of the Northern Trust, executing consistent, flawless play across the course. AP Photo/John LocherKevin Chappell and Scottie Scheffler both had remarkable rounds. Chappell shot 59 in the second round at The Greenbrier, while Scheffler also fired a 59 in the second round of the Northern Trust. Both players showcased precision, steady putting, and strategic course management. Their ability to minimise mistakes and seize birdie opportunities made these rounds memorable low points of the season, emphasising their talent and potential on the PGA Tour. James Marsh/Shutterstock/ImagoPhil Mickelson impressed fans at the Desert Classic, shooting 60 in the first round, blending aggressive plays with careful putting. Brandt Snedeker also posted a 60 in the second round at the RBC Canadian Open, demonstrating consistency and accuracy. Both rounds highlighted strategic play, focus, and the capacity to perform under pressure, contributing to the season’s most notable low rounds. Imago/DreamstimeBrandt Snedeker turned in an exceptional 59 at the Wyndham Championship, showing precise drives and excellent approach shots. His round reflected strong focus and consistency, allowing him to handle the course’s challenges effectively. This performance became one of the season’s standout moments. Jacob Kupferman/ Newscom World/ImagoTwo players recorded remarkable rounds. Adam Hadwin shot a 59 in the third round at the CareerBuilder Challenge, and Justin Thomas matched a 59 in the first round of the Sony Open in Waialae. Both rounds showcased precision, composure, and consistent putting, marking these performances as highlights of the season and confirming their talent on the PGA Tour. John David Mercer-USA TODAY SportsJim Furyk delivered a historic 58 in the fourth round at the Travellers Championship, one of the lowest rounds in PGA Tour history. Furyk’s precise iron shots, steady putting, and disciplined play made this round extraordinary. His performance exemplified focus and skill, creating a benchmark for excellence and a highlight of the season’s lowest rounds. Mark Newcombe/ImagoThe season saw multiple notable low rounds from golf’s biggest names. Jason Bohn (61, third round, The Greenbrier), Jason Day (61, first round, BMW Championship), Rory McIlroy (61, third round, Wells Fargo), Troy Merritt (61, third round, Quicken Loans), Ryan Palmer (61, second round, Humana PGA West), Brandt Snedeker (61, second round, Wyndham Championship), Jordan Spieth (61, third round, John Deere Classic), and Justin Thomas (61, second round, Sony Open), all made the season one of the most competitive in recent PGA history. Mark Newcombe/ImagoJ.J. Henry scored 60 in the first round at Shriners Hospitals, showing sharp accuracy and control. Jim Furyk matched with a 59 in the second round of the BMW Championship, demonstrating remarkable focus and composure. Both rounds highlighted their precision, consistency, and capacity to perform under pressure, standing out among the season’s lowest scoring rounds. Eric Gay / Associated PressTommy Gainey impressed at The McGladrey Classic, firing a 60 in the fourth round. Gainey’s round reflected steady drives, accurate approaches, and confident putting. His consistency and focus on scoring opportunities made this one of the season’s standout low rounds, emphasizing his competitive edge on the PGA Tour. Steve Helber / Associated PressPatrick Cantlay recorded a 60 in the second round at the Travellers Championship, blending precision and control throughout the round. His steady play, minimal mistakes, and sharp putting made this performance a highlight of the season and an example of excellence in low-round scoring. Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire/ImagoStuart Appleby shot a 59 in the fourth round at The Greenbrier, while Paul Goydos matched with a 59 in the first round of the John Deere Classic. Both rounds showcased focus, skill, and consistency; the players were able to navigate challenging courses while maintaining low scores under competitive pressure. Kin Cheung/APZach Johnson fired a 60 in the third round at the Texas Open, demonstrating excellent shot-making and consistent putting. His precision and strategic approach ensured minimal mistakes, marking this round as a standout low score for the season, and he would go on to win the title. AP Photo/Ashley LandisSeveral players recorded notable rounds of 61: Steve Elkington (fourth round, Texas Open), Carl Pettersson (second round, Wyndham Championship), Kevin Stadler (second round, Frys.com Open), Roland Thatcher (third round, Mayakoba), Mike Weir (first round, Deutsche Bank), and Charlie Wi (fourth round, Texas Open). Each demonstrated skillful, steady play, contributing to one of the season’s most competitive displays of low scoring. Darron Cummings/Associated PressZach Johnson scored a 60 in the third round of The Tour Championship, showcasing steady drives, precise iron shots, and accurate putting. This round reflected focus and consistency, establishing one of the season’s most impressive low rounds and a course record at the time. AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallThe 2006 PGA Tour season saw remarkably low rounds from several players. Arron Oberholser fired a 10-under 60 in the second round of the EDS Byron Nelson Championship at Cottonwood Valley, narrowly missing a 59 on the final hole. Pat Perez followed with a flawless 12-under 60 in the first round of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at PGA West, featuring 12 birdies and no bogeys. Later, Justin Rose set a course record at the Magnolia Course in Disney World with a 12-under 60 in the FUNAI Classic, also just shy of a historic 59. Imago/Icon SportswirePhil Mickelson shot an 11-under par 60 in the second round of the FBR Open at TPC Scottsdale, tying the course record and marking the lowest score of his PGA Tour career in an official event. After a challenging first round of 73, Mickelson’s aggressive approach and precise putting in the second round propelled him into contention, ultimately helping him secure a convincing tournament victory. Imago/Sammy MinkoffBart Bryant scored a 60 in the third round of the Texas Open, setting a 10-under par course record at La Cantera Golf Club and helping secure his first PGA Tour victory. Robert Gamez matched the feat with a 60 in the third round of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at Indian Wells, going 12-under and posting a tour record-tying 27 on the front nine. Gamez’s round included 10 birdies and an eagle, narrowly missing a historic 59. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, FileOn of those rare seasons when multiple big names tied one another for the lowest score of 61: Chad Campbell (third round, TOUR Championship), Jay Haas (second round, Bob Hope Chrysler), Tim Herron (third round, Bob Hope Chrysler), Justin Leonard (fourth round, Colonial), Pat Perez (second round, Bob Hope Chrysler), Kenny Perry (third round, Colonial), Heath Slocum (first round, Texas Open), and Bob Tway (first round, Texas Open), all achieved the milestone, just at different points of the season. Imago/icon SMIJ.P. Hayes set a new course record at the John Deere Classic with a 61 in the second round at TPC at Deere Run, contributing to his 22-under par tournament victory. John Huston matched 61 in the third round of the Buick Challenge, including six consecutive birdies, and went into the final round tied for the lead. Garrett Willis also fired a 61 in the second round of the Texas Open, finishing tied for second at 16-under par. APMark Calcavecchia delivered an impressive performance at the Phoenix Open (TPC Scottsdale), scoring his season-lowest round of 60 in the second round. Throughout the round, Calcavecchia demonstrated remarkable precision, balancing accurate drives with consistent approach shots and sharp putting; this round stood out as one of the season’s most notable low rounds. AP Photo/Butch Dill
It has also been quite a long time since his last PGA Tour victory, which came at the 2023 Shriners Children's Open. With that record-breaking win, he became the youngest three-time winner on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods accomplished this feat in 1997.
"Yeah, I haven't really had a top-10 finish in a while, and just the work I've been putting in," Kim shared. His T6 performance in Myrtle Beach did wonders for his dwindling confidence due to poor early-season performances.
The one breakthrough he got at Myrtle Beach justified all the changes he made through those months. The South Korean star desperately sought consistency after missing cuts at the Valero Texas Open and Zurich Classic, alongside six finishes outside the top 35.
He has been making fine changes in his game with the help of a new swing coach. All these subtle but vital changes in his game over the last few months led to his better numbers in approach-play statistics, a rank of second in ONEFlight Classic, and elevated his tee-to-green confidence.
"Every week I feel like I'm just trying to focus on not really the score but building where I want to be," Kim said.
His ultimate goal remains to compete at a high level consistently.
