The South Korean golfer ties tournament record but misses chance for history with a final-hole bogey
Category: Sports
Si Woo Kim delivered a remarkable performance on May 22, 2026, shooting an 11-under 60 during the second round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch. This score is his best round ever and ties the course and tournament record previously set by Keegan Bradley in 2013. Kim's incredible round featured six birdies on both the front and back nines, putting him at a commanding 18-under par and five shots ahead of the competition.
The significance of Kim's round matters. With only a few inches separating him from a sub-60 score, he came tantalizingly close to joining an elite group of players who have achieved this rare feat on the PGA Tour. As it stands, only 14 players have recorded rounds of 59 or lower, with Jim Furyk holding the record at 58.
Kim's day began with a flurry of birdies, as he made six on the front nine, finishing with a score of 30. He continued his impressive play on the back nine, adding another seven birdies for a total of 29. His only blemish came on the final hole, where he bogeyed after his approach shot went over the green, leading to a missed opportunity for a historic score. "Everything was perfect, other than the last hole. I’ll still take it," Kim said, expressing both satisfaction and disappointment.
Following Kim in the leaderboard were several notable players, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who shot a 63 and is tied for second place at 13 under along with Wyndham Clark, Sungjae Im, Kensei Hirata, and Jackson Suber. Jordan Spieth, with a score of 62, is six shots behind the leader, and Brooks Koepka, who shot 69, finds himself tied for 16th at 10 under.
Si Woo Kim, 30, has been enjoying a strong season on the PGA Tour, having made the cut in all 14 events he has entered, with six top-10 finishes. His familiarity with TPC Craig Ranch, where he resides in Dallas, has undoubtedly contributed to his success. "Staying in my own bed is a huge advantage, I think, especially close to home," he remarked. The course has become a second home for him, as he plays there regularly.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson has seen its fair share of impressive performances over the years, but Kim's round stands out as one of the most memorable. The 18th hole, which has been redesigned as a par 4 for the first time in the tournament's history, has proven to be a challenging finish, and it was no different for Kim. After a solid drive that split the fairway, his approach shot fell short, leading to the bogey that ended his bid for a record-breaking round.
Historically, rounds of 59 or lower are rare in professional golf, making Kim’s near miss even more poignant. The last player to achieve a sub-60 round was Jake Knapp, who finished with 12-under 59 during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Kim's performance highlights his skill and the competitive nature of the PGA Tour.
As the tournament progresses, Kim's performance places him in an advantageous position for the third round, where he will play in the final group. His confidence is high after such an outstanding showing, and he will be looking to maintain his lead against a strong field. The final rounds of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson promise to be exciting, especially with several top players close behind.
Kim's near-record score has set the stage for a thrilling weekend, as fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if he can capitalize on his momentum. With the stakes higher than ever, Kim's experience and comfort at TPC Craig Ranch could be key factors in his quest for victory.
In the end, Kim's round of 60 will be remembered not just for what it was, but for what it almost became. As he heads into the next rounds, he aims for the title and to etch his name into the history books of golf. The anticipation builds as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson continues, with Kim firmly in the spotlight.