Si Woo Kim’s Chase for History Dies On Final Hole at Byron Nelson in Round 2

MCKINNEY - Si Woo Kim was one clean par away from golf history at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Instead, the final hole at TPC Craig Ranch bit back.

Kim delivered one of the most electric rounds of the PGA TOUR season Friday, firing an 11-under 60 and taking a commanding five-shot lead after two rounds. But the number everyone will remember is the one he didn’t quite reach ... 59.

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The 30-year-old South Korean had the sub-60 round in his hands after a clutch moment at the par-3 17th. Kim curled in a 17-foot birdie putt from the fringe, his 12th birdie of the day, to move to 12 under for the round on the par-71 layout.

That left him needing only par at 18 to become just the 16th player in PGA TOUR history to break 60.

Then the redesigned closing hole showed its teeth.

Kim found the fairway off the tee, but his approach sailed long over the green. From there, the drama got uncomfortable fast. His chip came up roughly 19 feet short, and the par putt never had enough pace, sliding right and leaving him with his lone bogey of the day.

Brutal? Absolutely. Still ridiculous? Also yes.

The 18th hole at TPC Craig Ranch has a new edge this year after a $25 million Lanny Wadkins-led renovation converted it into a par 4 for the first time in the event’s six-year run at the course. Through two rounds, it has played as the toughest hole on the property.

Kim found that out at the worst possible time.

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Still, an 11-under 60 is hardly a collapse. It’s a warning shot. Kim may have missed golf immortality by one swing, but he left Friday with full control of the tournament.

The 59 slipped away. The trophy chase didn’t.

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