[Golf Topic] Sunny Kim "Dreaming of 59 on the Mini Tour~"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○…Sunny Kim (31, photo) shot the 'dream 59' on a mini-tour...

On the 25th (Korean time), at the Fox Golf Course in Palm City, Florida, USA (par 71, 7,017 yards), during the second round of the Minor League Golf Tour, she recorded 12-under-par 59 with 2 eagles and 8 birdies. Born in Seoul and having moved to the United States, she turned professional in 2007. On this day, she especially drew more spotlight by making an eagle with a 9-iron shot of 165 yards on the 16th hole (par 4). She added another eagle on the final 18th hole (par 5).

The mini-tour is a stage where prize money and operating costs are covered by the entry fees paid by players. Although the PGA Tour in the United States was completely suspended recently due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) domestically, it is interesting that the mini-tour is still thriving. Jared Du Toit (Canada) made news by shooting a 59 on the final day of the Outlaw Tour Western Skies Classic on the 20th but ended up as runner-up after a playoff battle.

The 59 score has been recorded 10 times on the PGA Tour. Kevin Chappell (USA) is the most recent. On the second day of the Military Tribute, the opening event of the 2019/2020 season in October last year, at The Old White Golf Course in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA (par 70), he collected 11 birdies. Starting from the 10th hole (par 4), he made 9 consecutive birdies from the 11th hole (par 4) through the back 9 first hole (par 4), and added 'stepping stone birdies' on the 5th and 7th holes.

Members of the '59 club' include Al Geiberger (Memphis Classic) in 1977, Chip Beck (Las Vegas) in 1991, David Duval (Bob Hope) in 1999, Paul Goydos (John Deere Classic) and Stewart Appleby (Greenbrier) in 2010, Jim Furyk (BMW Championship) in 2013, Justin Thomas (Sony Open) and Adam Hadwin (CareerBuilder Challenge) in 2017, and Brant Snedeker (Wyndham Championship) in August last year. Jim Furyk (USA) also uniquely recorded the 'magical 58' at the Travelers Championship in August 2016, following his 59.