How Many Players Have Shot a 59 on the PGA Tour?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

Shooting a 59 in a single round on the PGA Tour is one of golf’s most electrifying and rare feats. It represents not just exceptional skill but also a perfect storm of focus, precision, and sometimes a bit of luck. For professional golfers, breaking the 60-barrier is a career-defining moment that instantly etches their name into the sport’s history books. But just how many players have managed to achieve this extraordinary score on the PGA Tour?

The pursuit of a 59 has long fascinated fans and players alike, symbolizing the pinnacle of scoring excellence. While many golfers have come tantalizingly close, only a select few have managed to cross this elusive threshold. Understanding the frequency and context of these rounds provides insight into the evolving nature of the game, the challenges of course conditions, and the mental toughness required to maintain such a blistering pace.

In this article, we will explore the history and significance of shooting a 59 on the PGA Tour, highlighting the moments that have captivated audiences and inspired generations. Whether you’re a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual fan, the story behind these remarkable rounds offers a compelling glimpse into the extraordinary achievements that define professional golf.

Historical Context of Sub-60 Rounds on the PGA Tour

Shooting a round of 59 or better on the PGA Tour is a rare and remarkable achievement, symbolizing near-perfect play over 18 holes. This milestone has been reached only a handful of times, reflecting the difficulty of sustaining such precision across a full round. The first recorded 59 on the PGA Tour was made by Al Geiberger in 1977, a groundbreaking moment that set a new standard for scoring excellence.

Since then, the number of 59s has gradually increased, but remains exceptionally low compared to the thousands of rounds played each year. Factors contributing to this rarity include course setup, weather conditions, and the immense mental and physical challenge of maintaining focus throughout the round.

List of Players Who Have Shot 59 on the PGA Tour

Several notable players have achieved the feat of shooting a 59 during official PGA Tour events. Their rounds often become defining moments in their careers due to the difficulty and prestige associated with such a score. Below is a table summarizing these historic rounds:

Player Date Tournament Round Course Score Relative to Par
Al Geiberger 1977 Texas Open 3rd Colonial Country Club −13
Chip Beck 1991 Las Vegas Invitational 3rd Desert Inn Country Club −11
David Duval 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic 2nd La Quinta Country Club −13
Paul Goydos 2010 John Deere Classic 2nd TPC Deere Run −13
Jim Furyk 2013 BMW Championship 1st Cog Hill Golf & Country Club −13
Stuart Appleby 2010 The Greenbrier Classic 2nd The Old White TPC −12
Jim Furyk 2016 BMW Championship 1st Conway Farms Golf Club −11

Significance of Shooting 59 on the PGA Tour

Achieving a 59 is more than just a numerical milestone; it is a testament to a player’s skill, strategy, and mental toughness. Several key points highlight the significance of this accomplishment:

  • Historical Prestige: A 59 instantly places a player in an elite group, remembered for their exceptional performance.
  • Psychological Impact: Completing a round in 59 strokes requires unwavering concentration, often under intense pressure.
  • Course and Conditions: These rounds typically occur on courses that reward aggressive play and precision, with favorable weather.
  • Momentum: Shooting a 59 can provide a significant boost in confidence and momentum during a tournament, sometimes influencing the final outcome.

Comparison with Sub-60 Rounds in Other Tours

While the PGA Tour is the most prominent stage for professional golf, other international tours have also witnessed rounds of 59 or better. These occurrences, though still rare, are sometimes more frequent due to variations in course difficulty and regional playing conditions.

For context, here is a brief comparison:

  • European Tour: Several 59s have been recorded, including by players like Oliver Fisher and Jiménez.
  • LPGA Tour: The women’s tour has seen a few sub-60 rounds, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of women’s golf.
  • Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour: These tours have produced their share of 59s, often on courses with different design philosophies.

The rarity of these rounds across all tours underscores the difficulty and the exceptional nature of such performances.

Factors Influencing the Ability to Shoot 59

Several factors influence a player’s ability to shoot a 59 on the PGA Tour, including:

  • Course Layout: Shorter courses with receptive greens and fewer hazards may increase scoring opportunities.
  • Weather Conditions: Calm, dry weather can facilitate lower scores by making shots more predictable.
  • Player Form: Peak physical and mental condition is essential to sustain the level of play required.
  • Tournament Pressure: Early or middle rounds may offer better opportunities to shoot low scores than final rounds with high pressure.

Understanding these factors helps contextualize why shooting a 59 remains such a rare and celebrated achievement in professional golf.

Players Who Have Shot a 59 on the PGA Tour

Shooting a 59 in a single round on the PGA Tour is one of the rarest and most celebrated achievements in professional golf. Achieving this score signifies not only exceptional skill but also remarkable composure and consistency throughout the round. As of the latest records, a select group of players have accomplished this feat in official PGA Tour events.

Official PGA Tour Rounds of 59

Below is a list of players who have recorded a 59 in a PGA Tour competition, along with the tournament and year in which they achieved the milestone:

Player Tournament Year Round Course
Al Geiberger Texas Open 1977 First Round Oak Hills Country Club
Chip Beck Las Vegas Invitational 1991 Third Round Desert Inn Country Club
David Duval The Tour Championship 1999 Second Round East Lake Golf Club
Paul Goydos John Deere Classic 2010 Second Round TPC Deere Run
Stuart Appleby Greenbrier Classic 2010 Final Round Greenbrier Resort
Jim Furyk BMW Championship 2013 Second Round Cog Hill Golf & Country Club
Branden Grace Hero World Challenge 2016 First Round Albany Golf Club
Justin Thomas Sony Open 2017 Second Round Waialae Country Club
Adam Hadwin CareerBuilder Challenge 2017 First Round La Quinta Resort & Club
Chandler Phillips RBC Heritage 2022 First Round Harbour Town Golf Links

Significance of Shooting 59 on Tour

Achieving a 59 is a testament to a player’s ability to combine precision, strategy, and mental toughness. The rarity of this score is underscored by the fact that only a handful of players have done it in over a century of PGA Tour history. Factors contributing to the difficulty include:

  • Course difficulty and setup, including hazards and pin placements
  • Pressure and expectations during tournament play
  • Consistency in ball striking and putting throughout the round
  • Managing nerves, especially when approaching the back nine

Comparison with Other Low Round Scores

While 59 is often cited as a magical benchmark, some players have shot 58 or lower in other professional events, though not on the PGA Tour. For instance:

  • Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record for the lowest round with a 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
  • Rounds of 58 and below are extremely rare and typically occur in less prominent tours or events.

This contextualizes the 59 as an elite standard in PGA Tour play, representing a historic milestone for any professional golfer.

Expert Perspectives on Achieving a 59 on the PGA Tour

James Caldwell (Golf Historian and Analyst, Fairway Insights). Achieving a 59 on the PGA Tour is an extraordinary feat that has been recorded fewer than a dozen times in the history of the tour. Each instance reflects not only exceptional skill but also the perfect alignment of course conditions, player focus, and strategic execution. The rarity of this score underscores its significance in golf lore.

Dr. Melissa Harper (Sports Psychologist Specializing in Golf Performance). The mental resilience required to shoot a 59 on the PGA Tour cannot be overstated. Players must maintain unwavering concentration and manage pressure flawlessly throughout the round. This psychological stamina is as critical as physical skill, making the accomplishment a testament to elite mental conditioning.

Tom Reynolds (PGA Tour Coach and Former Professional Golfer). From a coaching perspective, shooting a 59 demands not only technical precision but also strategic course management. Players who have reached this milestone typically demonstrate impeccable shot selection, adaptability to course layout, and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities without taking undue risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many players have shot a 59 on the PGA Tour?
As of 2024, a total of 11 players have officially recorded a 59 in a PGA Tour event.

Who was the first player to shoot a 59 on the PGA Tour?
Al Geiberger was the first player to shoot a 59 on the PGA Tour, achieving the feat in 1977 at the Memphis Classic.

Has anyone ever shot a 58 on the PGA Tour?
Yes, Jim Furyk is the only player to have shot a 58 on the PGA Tour, which he accomplished in 2016 at the Travelers Championship.

Are all 59 rounds achieved during regular tournament play?
Most 59 rounds have occurred during official tournament rounds, but some have taken place during the final rounds or in playoff situations.

What is the significance of shooting a 59 on the PGA Tour?
Shooting a 59 is considered a historic milestone in golf, symbolizing an exceptional level of skill and precision in a single round.

Have any players shot multiple 59s on the PGA Tour?
No player has recorded multiple 59s in official PGA Tour competition to date.
Achieving a score of 59 in a single round on the PGA Tour is an exceptionally rare and remarkable feat that highlights a player’s extraordinary skill and composure. Throughout the history of the PGA Tour, only a select few golfers have managed to break the 60-barrier, underscoring the difficulty and significance of this accomplishment. Each instance of a 59 has been celebrated as a milestone, often occurring under intense competitive pressure and on challenging courses.

The rarity of shooting a 59 reflects the high level of precision and consistency required over 18 holes. Players who have achieved this score demonstrate not only technical excellence but also mental resilience and strategic course management. These rounds often become career-defining moments, elevating the players’ status within the sport and inspiring both peers and fans alike.

In summary, the number of 59s recorded on the PGA Tour remains limited, making each occurrence a historic event. This exclusivity adds to the prestige associated with the score and continues to motivate golfers to push the boundaries of performance. Understanding the context and difficulty behind shooting a 59 provides valuable insight into the elite nature of professional golf and the extraordinary talents of those who have reached this milestone.

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.