Kim's remarkable 12-under-par round at TPC Twin Cities marks the 16th sub-60 score in PGA Tour history and gives him a commanding three-shot lead.

Michael Kim etched his name into the PGA Tour record books on Friday, delivering an unforgettable 12-under 59 during the second round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. This exceptional performance not only secured him a significant lead but also marked a rare achievement in professional golf.

Kim's incredible score stands as the 16th sub-60 round ever recorded on the PGA Tour, a testament to his precision and putting prowess throughout the day. His historic effort immediately vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard, providing a much-needed boost after a challenging stretch on tour.

While Kim soared, the highly anticipated pursuit of Scottie Scheffler for his second win of the season hit a snag. Scheffler, who started strong, saw his momentum stall, leaving him considerably off the pace set by Kim, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Headlines.

Michael Kim's Historic Round at TPC Twin Cities

Michael Kim began his electrifying round with two pars before igniting a sensational streak of five consecutive birdies from the 3rd to the 7th hole. He added another birdie on the 9th, making the turn in a phenomenal 29 strokes.

On the back nine, Kim initially recorded just two birdies over his first five holes, seemingly taking him out of contention for golf's magic number. However, he then surged with four consecutive birdies from the 15th through the 18th holes to complete his 59.

The capstone of this historic feat was a clutch 24-foot putt on the par-5 18th hole, which he buried with pace before letting out an emphatic fist pump, fully aware of his monumental accomplishment. Kim’s iron play was exceptional, gaining over 3.7 shots on the field on approach, complemented by an unbelievable putting performance, rolling in more than 145 feet of putts and gaining nearly 6.6 strokes with his putter.

This 59 is the first recorded at TPC Twin Cities, making Kim the first player to achieve the feat at this course. It is also the first sub-60 round this season and the first since Jake Knapp's 59 at the Cognizant Classic a year ago.

Scottie Scheffler Falls Off Pace at 3M Open

Coming into the 3M Open, much of the conversation revolved around Scottie Scheffler, who had delivered a promising 6-under 65 on Thursday. He appeared poised to take control of a tournament that otherwise lacked significant star power.

However, Friday's second round proved challenging for Scheffler. After making the turn at 3 under par, he stalled on his back nine, finishing the day with a 1-under 70. This performance saw him drop out of the top 10, now trailing Kim by seven shots.

While Scheffler is certainly capable of closing such a gap over the weekend, his season has seen a few unexpected off rounds that have kept him from the winner's circle since January, a trend that Friday's play might unfortunately continue.

3M Open Leaderboard: Who's Chasing Michael Kim?

Following his historic 59, Michael Kim sits comfortably at 14 under par, holding a commanding three-shot lead heading into the weekend in Minnesota. This puts him in an excellent position to contend for the title after missing the cut in his last three PGA Tour starts.

Tied for second place at 11 under are Ben Kohles, Emiliano Grillo, and Chandler Philips. Kohles, who held the lead after Thursday's 62, humorously remarked that his earlier round "wasn't as good" after hearing the roar for Kim's final putt, acknowledging the work needed to catch the leader.

Jackson Koivun, fresh off his first top 10 as a professional at the ISCO Championship, is also lurking, tied for fifth at 10 under par alongside Troy Merritt. Other notable players in the top 13 include Zac Blair, Billy Horschel, Brian Harman, Denny McCarthy, Michael Brennan, Jesper Svensson, Hideki Matsuyama, and Gary Woodland.

Players Facing FedEx Cup Bubble Pressure

The 3M Open marks the beginning of the crucial closing chase for the FedEx Cup playoffs, making every round vital for players on the bubble. Michael Kim, who began the week at 65th in the FedEx Cup standings, could vault to 35th with a victory, significantly boosting his playoff prospects.

Conversely, several players faced a disappointing early exit, missing the cut and complicating their quest for a spot in the Memphis field. Among the notables who missed the cut are Aldrich Potgieter (Even), Sudarshan Yellamaraju (+1), Patrick Rodgers (+4), and Pierceson Coody (+6).

These missed cuts will have immediate implications for FedEx Cup standings. For example, Homa is projected to slip from 49th to 51st (though still safe within the top 70). However, the situation is tougher for players like Keefer, the reigning Korn Ferry Tour champion, who falls from 71st to 74th, and Meissner, who drops from the bubble at 70th to 71st, adding significant stress for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Michael Kim's 59 at the 3M Open?

Michael Kim's 59 is historically significant as it marks the 16th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history and the first time such a score has been achieved at TPC Twin Cities.

How did Scottie Scheffler perform in Round 2 of the 3M Open?

Scottie Scheffler shot a 1-under 70 in Round 2, struggling on his back nine. He finished the day seven shots behind leader Michael Kim, tied for 13th place at 7 under par.

What impact does this round have on Michael Kim's FedEx Cup standing?

Entering the week at 65th in the FedEx Cup standings, a victory at the 3M Open would dramatically improve Michael Kim's position, vaulting him to a projected 35th place and strengthening his chances for the playoffs.

Who is leading the 3M Open after two rounds?

Michael Kim holds the lead at the 3M Open after two rounds, sitting at 14 under par. He has a three-shot advantage over a group including Ben Kohles, Emiliano Grillo, and Chandler Philips, who are all at 11 under.