Golf is a game of precision, patience, and consistency. Every move a golfer makes in this game is important, and any errors could have serious consequences. The golfers who beat the odds and shot a 59 on the PGA Tour to write their names in the record books are few and far between.

The Significance of a 59 on the PGA Tour

For the benefit of those who aren’t aware, a score of 59 in a professional golf tournament is considered to be an extremely high one. When competing on the PGA Tour, it is assumed that professional players of the highest caliber will give their very best. You have to play your best round of golf and make practically every ball count if you want to get a score of 59.

The Rarity of Shooting a 59 on the PGA Tour

In the history of the PGA Tour, only 11 golfers have ever shot 59 or lower. In terms of percentage, this accounts for 1/10th of one percent of the total rounds of golf on the PGA Tour.

The golfers who achieved this feat

Al Geiberger was the first player on the PGA Tour to shoot a 59 at the 1977 Memphis Classic. Geiberger, known as “Mr. 59,” shot a 13-under 59, which featured 11 birdies and an eagle, to break the course record. Geiberger’s performance stunned the golfing community, and he became an instant legend.

Chip Beck accomplished the extraordinary feat during the 1991 Las Vegas Invitational. Beck shot three eagles, nine birdies, and six pars throughout his round. Beck was thrilled that his great play on the course got him into the exclusive 59 club.

David Duval shot a 59 at the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, becoming the third player in PGA Tour history to do so. Duval played a great round, including 13 birdies and an eagle. Due to his incredible round, Duval became an overnight sensation in the world of golf.

Stuart Appleby was the fourth golfer in the PGA Tour’s history to shoot a 59. At the Greenbrier Classic in 2010, Appleby set this record with a round that included 11 birdies, one eagle, and six pars. He accomplished the rare feat through a combination of skill and effort.

In 2010, in the John Deere Classic, Paul Goydos hit a 59 as well. Goydos enjoyed a fantastic round of golf, with 12 birdies and six pars. The game was significant in Goydos’ career and inspired players everywhere with a goal to aim for.

Jim Furyk became the sixth player in PGA Tour history to shoot a 59 in 2013. Furyk’s round at the BMW Championship included 11 birdies and an eagle. At the 2016 Travelers Championship, Furyk recorded the tour’s only 58, becoming the only player to hit a 59 or below twice.

At the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii, Justin Thomas hit a 59. On the back nine, Thomas shot an astounding 10 under par, which featured eight birdies and an eagle. Thomas joined an exclusive club of golfers on the PGA Tour following the accomplishment.

Adam Hadwin hit a 59 at the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge, including 13 birdies; six consecutive on the front nine and five straight on the back nine.

Brandt Snedeker was the ninth golfer on the PGA Tour to shoot a 59 in 2018. Snedeker broke the record at the Wyndham Championship with a brilliant round featuring 10 birdies and an eagle.

Kevin Chappell was the 10th player on the PGA Tour to card a 59. He did so at The 2019 Greenbrier’s Military Tribute. The manner in which Chappell performed, with 10 birdies and an eagle, was indicative of his golfing prowess.

Scottie Scheffler was the 11th and most-recent player to join the 59 club, doing so at the 2020 Northern Trust. Scheffler’s round included 12 birdies, making him the second-youngest player to achieve the feat.

What Makes a 59 So Special?

Shooting a 59 on the PGA Tour is one of the most remarkable achievements in golf. It takes a combination of skill, determination, and a bit of luck to accomplish this remarkable feat. Every shot has to be precise, and every putt has to find the hole. A single mistake can derail the entire round, making the achievement that much more impressive.

Furthermore, shooting a 59 requires players to take risks and play aggressively. They have to make bold shots and go for birdies instead of playing it safe. This risk-taking mentality is what separates the golfers who have shot a 59 from the rest of the field.

As golf evolves, the question of who will be the next to join the elite group of 59 shooters is much debated. Until then, we can take inspiration from the extraordinary contributions made by those who have altered the path of golf’s history.