How Many golfers break 60?
In the realm of professional golf, there exists a revered and elusive milestone: the sub-60 round. Achieving such a score over 18 holes is akin to a pitcher’s perfect game in baseball or a triple-double in basketball. But unlike those sports, breaking 60 in golf remains a feat achieved by an elite few. It’s not just about talent and skill, but also about seizing the moment, capitalizing on every stroke, and perhaps, having a sprinkle of luck.
As of 2023, 68 instances across various global tours, including the PGA, LPGA, and European Tour, have been recorded. To break 60 in golf is a rare feat, it signifies a score of 59 or below and has achieved by a limited number of professionals only one, Jim Furyk, has broken 60 twice.
As golf courses have evolved and become more challenging, and as equipment and training techniques have improved, this magic number has stood the test of time as a symbol of golfing excellence. This article delves into the history and modern instances of players who’ve accomplished what many can only dream of: a place in the sub-60 club.
Early Instances of Breaking 60
Al Geiberger’s groundbreaking round of 59 in 1977 at the Memphis Classic wasn’t just a personal triumph; it set a new benchmark in professional golf. It took over a decade before Chip Beck replicated the feat in 1991, demonstrating the exclusivity of the achievement that to break 60 is.
By the end of the 20th century, David Duval added his name to the list, carding a 59 in the final round of the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, propelling him to a dramatic victory.
Their rounds were not just about breaking records, but also breaking barriers, setting the stage for future generations to challenge and potentially better their scores, a challenge that was taken up enthusiastically!
The Modern Era: Sub 60 Rounds
The 21st century has seen an uptick in sub-60 scores, perhaps reflecting the evolving nature of golf training, equipment, and player athleticism. Paul Goydos and Stuart Appleby both broke the barrier in 2010.
But the decade would witness several more such moments, of breaking 60 with Justin Thomas, Adam Hadwin, and Scottie Scheffler etching their names in the record books. The modern golfer’s approach, blending technology with traditional skills, has enabled these incredible feats.
Advanced equipment offers more control, while state-of-the-art training facilities and techniques hone a player’s skills like never before. Yet, despite these advantages, breaking 60 remains an exceptional achievement.
Jim Furyk: The Exception
Jim Furyk has carved out a unique niche in the annals of golfing history. While as we highlighted above several may have touched the magic number of 59, Furyk went one better, shooting an astounding 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship which while awesome enough comes on the back of having carded a 59 just three years prior at the BMW Championship.
Such consistency and mastery over the game in being able to break 60 twice underline Furyk’s exceptional skill and mental acuity. In an era of young guns and booming drives,
Furyk’s rounds remain the only two sub 60 rounds by the same player. How ever there have been 60 plus oplayers who have broken 60 since that first time by Al Geiberger.
So while it is a pretty large number it is still a fraction of a percent of golfers world wide! So we have split most of the sub 60 rounds in to Major tours, Other Tours and Woman’s tours. there are other instances of players who break 60 and you can check the full list on Wikipedia on the link here and below
Major Tours Breaking 60
Table 1: Major Tour Rounds Under 60
| Golfer (Country) | Score (Under Par) | Round | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) | 58 (-12) | Final | 2010 | The Crowns |
| Jim Furyk (USA) | 58 (-12) | Final | 2016 | Travelers Championship |
| Kim Seong-hyeon (South Korea) | 58 (-12) | Final | 2021 | Golf Partner Pro-Am |
| Bryson DeChambeau (USA) | 58 (-12) | 3rd | 2023 | LIV Golf Greenbrier |
| Al Geiberger (USA) | 59 (-13) | 2nd | 1977 | Danny Thomas Memphis Classic |
| Chip Beck (USA) | 59 (-13) | 3rd | 1991 | Las Vegas Invitational |
| David Duval (USA) | 59 (-13) | Final | 1999 | Bob Hope Chrysler Classic |
| Masahiro Kuramoto (Japan) | 59 (-12) | 1st | 2003 | Acom International |
| Peter Karmis (South Africa) | 59 (-13) | 3rd | 2009 | Lombard Insurance Classic |
| Paul Goydos (USA) | 59 (-12) | 1st | 2010 | John Deere Classic |
| Stuart Appleby (Australia) | 59 (-11) | Final | 2010 | Greenbrier Classic |
| Jim Furyk (USA) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2013 | BMW Championship |
| Justin Thomas (USA) | 59 (-11) | 1st | 2017 | Sony Open in Hawaii |
| Adam Hadwin (Canada) | 59 (-13) | 3rd | 2017 | CareerBuilder Challenge |
| Brandt Snedeker (USA) | 59 (-11) | 1st | 2018 | Wyndham Championship |
| Oliver Fisher (England) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2018 | Portugal Masters |
| Kevin Chappell (USA) | 59 (-11) | 2nd | 2019 | A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier |
| Scottie Scheffler (USA) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2020 | The Northern Trust |
| Yuta Ikeda (Japan) | 59 (-11) | 1st | 2022 | Golf Partner Pro-Am |
| Casey Jarvis (South Africa) | 59 (-13) | 3rd | 2023 | Stella Artois Players Championship |
- There have been 22 instances of players shooting 59 or lower.
- Jim Furyk is the only player who appears twice, with scores of 58 in 2016 and 59 in 2013.
- Ryo Ishikawa, Jim Furyk, Kim Seong-hyeon, and Bryson DeChambeau are the only four to have shot 58.
- Bryson DeChambeau has achieved this score in 2023 in the LIV Golf League.
- The PGA Tour has seen the majority of these low scores, followed by the Japan Golf Tour and others.
- The lowest to par score recorded is −13, achieved by several players, but it’s worth noting that the relative to par depends on the course par, so some 59s can be -13 while others can be -11.
The Global Stage: Beyond the PGA Tour
Golf’s sub-60 magic isn’t confined to American soil. The global game has seen its share of exceptional rounds. Ryo Ishikawa’s 58 on the Japan Golf Tour in 2010 resonated worldwide, drawing parallels with Furyk’s historic round.
On the European front, Oliver Fisher’s 59 at the 2018 Portugal Masters broke new ground, being the European Tour’s inaugural sub-60 and first to break 60. These moments underscore the universal appeal and challenge of golf, where diverse courses and conditions worldwide beckon players to etch their names in history.
The achievement, though identical in number, takes on unique hues in different landscapes, making each break 60 round a distinct achievement around the world.
Table 2: Other Professional Tours Rounds Under 60:
| Golfer (Country) | Score (Under Par) | Round | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephan Jäger (Germany) | 58 (-12) | 1st | 2016 | Ellie Mae Classic |
| Alejandro del Rey (Spain) | 58 (-14) | 2nd | 2021 | Swiss Challenge |
| Notah Begay III (USA) | 59 (-13) | 2nd | 1998 | Nike Dominion Open |
| Doug Dunakey (USA) | 59 (-11) | 2nd | 1998 | Miami Valley Open |
| Jason Gore (USA) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2005 | Cox Classic |
| Adrien Mörk (France) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2006 | Tikida Hotels Agadir Moroccan Classic |
| Will Wilcox (USA) | 59 (-12) | Final | 2013 | Utah Championship |
| Russell Knox (Scotland) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2013 | Albertsons Boise Open |
| Nicolò Ravano (Italy) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2016 | Fred Olsen Challenge de España |
| Sam Saunders (USA) | 59 (-12) | 1st | 2017 | Web.com Tour Championship |
| Mac Meissner (USA) | 59 (-12) | 2nd | 2023 | LECOM Suncoast Classic |
| Michael Feagles (USA) | 59 (-12) | 1st | 2023 | BMW Charity Pro-Am |
From this table:
- Stephan Jäger and Alejandro del Rey have both recorded a score of 58. Notably, Alejandro del Rey’s score of 58 is an impressive −14 to par, the lowest to-par value across both tables.
- Web.com Tour (Korn Ferry Tour) dominates this list with multiple instances of players breaking 60.
- 2023 sees two players, Mac Meissner and Michael Feagles, both carding 59 on the Korn Ferry Tour.
- Various tours outside the main PGA and LPGA circuits also showcase an incredible depth of talent, as evident from the scores.
Women’s Golf: Annika’s Exceptional 59
In a sport where men have predominantly dominated headlines with their scores, Annika Sörenstam shattered ceilings with her brilliance. Her 59 at the 2001 Standard Register Ping wasn’t just a record; it was a proclamation.
As the first and only woman to break 60 on the LPGA Tour, Sörenstam’s round celebrated excellence and gender equity in golf. The LPGA, rich with talent, found its iconic moment in her achievement, inspiring generations of female golfers.
To date, as of 2023, it hasn’t been matched but we don’t think it will take 14 years to have another woman’s golfer make it to the sub 60 club!
Table 3: Women’s Rounds Under 61:
| Golfer (Country) | Score (Under Par) | Round | Year | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) | 59 (-13) | 2nd | 2001 | Standard Register PING |
| Meg Mallon (USA) | 60 (-10) | 2nd | 2003 | Welch’s/Fry’s Championship |
| Sarah Lee (South Korea) | 60 (-10) | 2nd | 2004 | Welch’s/Fry’s Championship |
| Anna Acker-Macokso (USA) | 60 (-11) | Final | 2004 | Longs Drugs Challenge |
| Paula Creamer (USA) | 60 (-10) | 1st | 2008 | Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic |
| Jessica Korda (USA) | 60 (-11) | 3rd | 2021 | Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions |
- Annika Sorenstam remains the only female golfer to have carded a 59 and to break 60, which she accomplished in 2001 at the Standard Register PING event. Her score was a stunning −13 under par.
- Other remarkable scores include a 60, recorded by five players: Meg Mallon, Sarah Lee, Anna Acker-Macosko, Paula Creamer, and Jessica Korda. Notably, these scores range from −10 to −11 under par.
- All these scores were achieved on the LPGA Tour, which is the premier women’s professional golf tour.
This provides a comprehensive view of the sub-60, and a few 60 rounds carded by women golfers on the LPGA Tour.
The Factors Behind Break 60
Breaking the 60-barrier isn’t just a testament to a golfer’s skill—it’s a confluence of various elements aligning perfectly. Firstly, advancements in equipment technology have been pivotal.
Modern clubs, with their tailored design and materials, offer players more precision and distance. Golf balls, too, have evolved, optimized for better aerodynamics and control.
Additionally, golf course knowledge and preparation have reached unprecedented levels. With advanced analytics and tools, players can study courses intricately, strategizing each shot. Physical fitness, often underrated in golf, has become integral.
Today’s golfers are athletes, with specialized training regimes ensuring peak performance. Mental fortitude remains key; the pressure of inching towards a sub-60 score is immense, and maintaining composure is crucial.
Lastly, a touch of serendipity—be it favorable weather, a kind bounce, or a miraculous putt—often plays a role. The sub-60 round, thus, is a symphony of skill, preparation, physicality, mindset, and a dash of luck.
What is a Perfect Round of Golf
In golf, the term “perfect round” is often used to describe a golfer’s dream achievement where every hole is played to its absolute potential.
While there isn’t a universally recognized definition, many consider a perfect round to be one where a golfer scores a birdie on every par-4 and par-5 hole, and an ace or hole-in-one on every par-3 hole.
Achieving this would mean the golfer has played the course in the least number of strokes theoretically possible. Given the immense challenges of the game—varying terrains, weather conditions, and mental pressures—a true perfect round remains an aspirational goal, even for the world’s elite.
It serves as a testament to the game’s depth and the eternal pursuit of perfection by those who love it.
FAQ: Break 60 in Golf
1. What does “break 60” mean in golf?
Breaking 60 refers to a golfer shooting a score of 59 or lower in an 18-hole round. It’s an exceptional achievement and a rare feat in professional golf.
2. What is the lowest ever round of golf?
The lowest officially recorded round is a 55 by Rhein Gibson, achieved in 2012 at River Oaks Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma. This record is recognized by the Guinness World Records.
3. Who holds the record for the lowest women’s round of golf?
Annika Sörenstam holds the record for the lowest round in women’s professional golf, with a score of 59, achieved in 2001 during the Standard Register PING tournament.
4. What is a perfect round in golf?
A perfect round in golf is often referred to as a round where a golfer makes birdie on every hole, resulting in a score of 54 on a standard par-72 course. However, this has never been achieved in professional golf.
5. Has any golfer broken 60 more than once?
Yes, Jim Furyk is notably the first PGA Tour golfer to break 60 twice, shooting a 59 in 2013 and a 58 in 2016.
6. Is breaking 60 more common today than in the past?
While still a rare feat, breaking 60 has become slightly more common in recent decades due to advancements in equipment, golf course conditions, and player training. However, the strategic challenges of golf ensure it remains a significant achievement.
7. How many golfers have broken 60 in PGA Tour history?
As of the last update, there have been 12 rounds of 59 and one round of 58 recorded on the PGA Tour.
8. Which golf courses see the most sub-60 rounds?
While there isn’t one specific course that consistently sees sub-60 rounds, certain courses known for being more scoring-friendly, combined with optimal conditions, have seen multiple low rounds. However, breaking 60 remains a rare occurrence on any course.
9. How does altitude affect scoring in golf?
Altitude can make the ball travel further due to the thinner air. While this can lead to longer drives and potentially lower scores, the best rounds in history have been achieved at various altitudes and conditions.
We have further articles on these golfing score milestones on the site and you can check out how many golfers manage to break 70/80/90 as well you will be pleased to hear its more than break 60!
- How many Golfers break 100
- How many Golfers break 90
- How many Golfers break 80
- How many Golfers break 70
Conclusion
it’s evident how difficult it is to break 60 when we realize that only a handful of golfers have etched their names in this exclusive club.
From Rhein Gibson’s astounding 55 to Annika Sörenstam’s trailblazing performance in women’s golf, these feats underscore the rare blend of skill, focus, and conditions required to achieve such scores.
Yet, as equipment advances and players push their boundaries, the magic number of 59 becomes less of a myth and more of a motivator.
However, regardless of the frequency, each sub-60 score will always be a testament to a golfer’s exceptional prowess on that given day, now we wait for that perfect round…
