Scoring a 59 in golf is a feat of legendary proportions. Discover the history of the 15 elite players who have breached the sub-60 barrier in PGA Tour history.

Key Takeaways

  • Only 15 players in PGA Tour history have recorded a score of 59.
  • Al Geiberger was the pioneer, achieving the feat in 1977.
  • Jim Furyk holds the unique distinction of scoring sub-60 twice, including a historic 58.
  • Michael Kim is the most recent member of this exclusive club (2026).

In the high-stakes world of professional golf, the number 59 represents a threshold of perfection. Achieving it requires a flawless combination of surgical precision, immense skill, and a stroke of luck. To date, only 15 players have managed to card a 59 in the history of the PGA Tour.

The Genesis: Al Geiberger's Historic 1977 Round

The era of the sub-60 round began on a sweltering 100-degree day in June 1977. Al Geiberger, playing at the Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee, became the first player to break the 60-barrier. Reflecting on that day, Geiberger noted that he wasn't even aiming for a record; he was simply fighting to make the cut. His unintentional brilliance set the stage for decades of golfing legends to chase the same magic number.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that reaching a 59 is statistically improbable, requiring a player to shoot anywhere from 11 to 13 under par depending on the course difficulty. It is the ultimate benchmark of a player's peak performance and mental fortitude.

Scoring a 59 is not just about hitting the ball; it is about maintaining psychological composure when the history books are watching.

While many have reached 59, Jim Furyk stands alone in the pantheon of golf. He is the only professional to have recorded two sub-60 rounds, including a staggering 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship, which remains the lowest 18-hole round in PGA history.

Player NameYearMilestone
Al Geiberger1977First 59 in PGA History
Jim Furyk2013/2016Multiple sub-60 rounds (59 & 58)
Michael Kim2026Latest 59 scorer
Did You Know?: To shoot a 59 on a par 72 course, a golfer must finish at 13-under par!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who holds the record for the lowest round in PGA history?
Jim Furyk holds the record with a phenomenal score of 58.

2. How many players have shot a 59?
Exactly 15 different players have achieved a 59 in PGA Tour history.