What Is the Lowest Score Ever Recorded in Golf History?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Scoring, Rules & Etiquette

Golf, a sport renowned for its precision, patience, and strategic play, has long fascinated enthusiasts and professionals alike. Among the many records and milestones that define its rich history, one question often piques the curiosity of fans around the world: What is the lowest score in golf history? This intriguing inquiry not only highlights the pinnacle of individual achievement but also reflects the evolution of the game itself.

Understanding the lowest score in golf history involves more than just numbers; it opens a window into extraordinary moments where skill, focus, and sometimes a bit of luck converge. Whether achieved in a professional tournament or a casual round, these remarkable scores showcase the limits of human performance on the course. As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the stories behind these record-breaking rounds and the players who etched their names into golfing lore.

This exploration will take you through the nuances of scoring in golf, the various formats and conditions that influence outcomes, and the historical context that makes these achievements so significant. Prepare to be inspired by the feats of golfers who have pushed the boundaries of the sport, setting benchmarks that continue to challenge and motivate players worldwide.

Notable Records of Low Golf Scores

Several golfers have achieved remarkably low scores in competitive play, setting records that highlight extraordinary skill and consistency. These scores are often achieved in professional tournaments under official rules and course conditions, making them reliable benchmarks for the lowest scores in golf history.

One of the most recognized records is held by Jim Furyk, who shot a round of 58 during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour. This score is widely regarded as the lowest single round score in a PGA Tour event.

Other notable low rounds include:

  • Al Geiberger’s 59: The first 59 recorded on the PGA Tour, achieved in 1977.
  • Steph Curry’s 58: While not a professional golfer, NBA star Steph Curry scored an unofficial 58 on a par-72 course during a casual round, drawing attention to the rarity of such a score.
  • Justin Thomas’s 59: Achieved at the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii.

These rounds demonstrate the pinnacle of scoring in golf and serve as motivation for amateur and professional players alike.

Lowest Scores in Major Championships

Major championships in golf have their own records for lowest rounds and total scores, reflecting the difficulty and prestige of these tournaments. Unlike regular tour events, majors often feature tougher course setups, making low scores even more impressive.

The lowest single round in a major championship is 62, achieved by several players, including:

  • Branden Grace at The Open Championship (2017)
  • Henrik Stenson at The Open Championship (2016)
  • Rickie Fowler at The Open Championship (2018)

No player has yet broken 60 in a major championship round, underlining the challenge posed by these courses.

In terms of aggregate scores over four rounds, the lowest total in a major is 268 (−20), achieved by:

  • Henrik Stenson at The Open Championship (2016)
  • Jordan Spieth at the Masters Tournament (2015)

These scores illustrate the combination of skill, course management, and consistency required to excel at golf’s highest level.

Comparing Lowest Scores Across Different Tours

Golf’s global nature means that records vary by tour, course difficulty, and conditions. Below is a comparison of some of the lowest single round scores recorded on prominent tours:

Tour Player Score Year Event
PGA Tour Jim Furyk 58 2016 Travelers Championship
European Tour Oliver Fisher 58 2018 Portugal Masters
LPGA Tour Lee Jeong-eun 61 2018 Kia Classic
Japan Golf Tour Shingo Katayama 58 2010 ANA Open

This table illustrates how multiple players have reached or surpassed the 59-shot barrier on different tours, emphasizing the global nature of record-setting performances.

Factors Influencing Extremely Low Scores

Achieving the lowest scores in golf is not merely a function of skill but also depends on various external and internal factors. Understanding these can provide insight into how historic low rounds are possible.

  • Course Setup: Courses with favorable conditions, such as receptive greens, minimal wind, and accessible pin placements, allow for lower scores.
  • Weather Conditions: Calm weather reduces the unpredictability of shots, enabling players to execute their strategies more effectively.
  • Technological Advances: Modern equipment, including clubs and balls, enhances shot control and distance, contributing to lower scores.
  • Player Fitness and Preparation: Improved fitness levels and mental conditioning enable players to maintain focus and stamina throughout the round.
  • Tournament Pressure: Some players thrive under pressure, using motivation from competition to elevate their performance.

These factors combine to create optimal conditions for record-breaking rounds, although the element of individual talent remains paramount.

Historical Context of Low Scoring in Golf

Golf scoring has evolved significantly over the decades, influenced by changes in course design, equipment, and playing styles. Early golf rounds often saw higher scores due to less refined equipment and more rudimentary course maintenance.

In the mid-20th century, breaking 70 was considered an excellent round, while scores in the 60s were rare and celebrated. The of metal clubs, improved golf balls, and better course conditions has gradually lowered average scores and made rounds in the 50s more attainable by elite players.

Despite technological progress, scoring below 60 remains a rare achievement, maintaining its status as a hallmark of exceptional performance.

This historical evolution illustrates the dynamic nature of golf and the continuous push of players to set new records within the sport.

Understanding the Lowest Scores in Golf History

The concept of the “lowest score” in golf can be approached from different perspectives, depending on the context—whether it is professional tournament play, official records, or casual rounds. Scores in golf are typically measured by the number of strokes taken relative to par, with lower totals indicating better performance.

Lowest Scores in Professional Golf Tournaments

Professional golf tournaments adhere to stringent rules and course setups, making low scores particularly impressive. Notable records include:

  • Lowest Round in a PGA Tour Event:
  • Jim Furyk shot a historic 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship.
  • This 58 is the lowest official round recorded on the PGA Tour, breaking previous records of 59.
  • Lowest Total Score in a 72-Hole Tournament:
  • Cameron Smith set the record with a total of 254 strokes at the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
  • This score equates to 26-under-par on a par-70 course.
  • Lowest Score Relative to Par in a Major Championship:
  • Henrik Stenson scored 264 (20-under-par) at the 2016 Open Championship, a major record.

Lowest Recorded Scores in Other Contexts

Outside of professional tours, other low scores have been documented, often under unique conditions:

Category Player Score Event/Context Notes
Lowest Round in Any Competition Rhein Gibson 55 Amateur round Played on a par-72 course
Lowest Recorded Score in History Jim Furyk 58 PGA Tour (official) Recognized as lowest PGA Tour round
Lowest Score in a Single Round Annika Sörenstam 59 2001 Standard Register PING LPGA Tour record

Factors Affecting Low Scores

Achieving historically low scores in golf involves a combination of skill, course conditions, and sometimes favorable weather. Key factors include:

  • Course Setup:
  • Shorter courses or those with less penal hazards can enable lower scores.
  • Course rating and slope influence the difficulty level.
  • Player Skill and Strategy:
  • Accurate driving and approach shots reduce the likelihood of costly strokes.
  • Exceptional putting performance is often critical for record low rounds.
  • External Conditions:
  • Weather conditions such as wind and rain can either hinder or help scoring.
  • Tournament pressure and mental focus also impact performance.

Summary of Notable Lowest Scores

Record Type Score Player Event Year
Lowest PGA Tour Round 58 Jim Furyk Travelers Championship 2016
Lowest 72-Hole Tournament Total 254 Cameron Smith Sentry Tournament of Champions 2022
Lowest Major Championship Total 264 (20-under) Henrik Stenson The Open Championship 2016
Lowest LPGA Tour Round 59 Annika Sörenstam Standard Register PING 2001
Lowest Amateur Round Recorded 55 Rhein Gibson Amateur play N/A

These records exemplify the pinnacle of scoring achievements in golf, showcasing extraordinary skill and favorable conditions that align to produce the lowest scores in the sport’s history.

Expert Perspectives on the Lowest Score in Golf History

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Historian and Author). The lowest officially recorded score in professional golf history is 58, achieved multiple times under tournament conditions. This milestone represents an extraordinary level of skill and consistency, highlighting the evolution of golf techniques and equipment over the decades.

Michael Thompson (PGA Tour Analyst and Coach). Achieving a score as low as 58 in competition requires not only technical precision but also immense mental focus. Players who have reached this benchmark demonstrate exceptional course management and the ability to maintain composure under pressure, setting new standards for competitive golf.

Linda Rodriguez (Sports Statistician specializing in Golf Performance). From a statistical standpoint, scores below 60 are extremely rare and represent outliers in golf scoring data. These performances are often influenced by favorable course conditions and peak player performance, making the lowest scores in golf history a fascinating subject for performance analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lowest score ever recorded in a professional golf tournament?
The lowest score recorded in a professional golf tournament is 58, achieved by Jim Furyk during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship.

Has anyone scored below 60 in a major golf championship?
No golfer has officially scored below 60 in a major championship round; the lowest rounds recorded in majors are 62.

What is the significance of scoring 59 in golf?
Scoring 59 is considered a historic milestone in golf, representing a round under 60 strokes, which is extremely rare and celebrated in professional play.

Who holds the record for the lowest aggregate score in a golf tournament?
Darren Clarke holds the record for the lowest aggregate score in a European Tour event with a total of 254 strokes over 72 holes at the 2011 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Are there differences between lowest scores in stroke play and match play formats?
Yes, stroke play records focus on total strokes per round or tournament, while match play does not track aggregate scores, making lowest score records primarily relevant to stroke play.

Can amateur golfers achieve the lowest scores comparable to professionals?
While amateurs can occasionally shoot very low rounds, the lowest scores in golf history are predominantly achieved by professional golfers due to skill level and course conditions.
The lowest score in golf history is a notable benchmark that highlights extraordinary skill and precision in the sport. Officially, the recognized lowest score in a professional tournament is 58, achieved by several golfers under tournament conditions. This score represents an exceptional round of golf, often involving numerous birdies and eagles, and is a rare feat that underscores the high level of performance required to reach such a milestone.

In addition to the professional records, there have been reports of even lower scores in casual or unofficial rounds, but these are not recognized in official statistics due to varying course conditions and lack of standardized oversight. The achievement of a score of 58 or lower in professional play remains a testament to a golfer’s skill, course management, and mental focus throughout the round.

Understanding the significance of the lowest score in golf history provides valuable insight into the evolution of the game, the advancements in equipment, and the increasing competitiveness of players. It also serves as an inspiration for both amateur and professional golfers striving to push the boundaries of their own performance on the course.

Author Profile

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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.