Michael Kim: Rising PGA Golfer Making Waves at the 2026 3M Open
South Korean professional golfer Michael Kim has been turning heads on the PGA Tour, and his performance in the second round of the 2026 3M Open solidified his reputation as a shot‑making talent. While seasoned names like Scottie Scheffler and Hideki Matsuyama dominated headlines, Kim’s precision off the tee and his daring flop shot off a tight lie captured the attention of analysts and fans alike.
Career Snapshot
Born in Seoul, Michael Kim turned professional in 2020 after a standout amateur career that included multiple wins on the Korean Golf Tour. Since joining the PGA Tour, he has recorded several top‑10 finishes, showcasing a blend of distance, accuracy, and short‑game creativity. By 2025, Kim had earned a reputation for thriving under pressure, a quality that would be on full display at the 3M Open.
Round 2 Highlights at the 2026 3M Open
Round 2 of the 2026 3M Open proved to be a turning point for Kim. After a solid opening round, he entered the day positioned just inside the top 30, eyeing a potential breakthrough. The tournament’s challenging Bent grass fairways demanded both strategic tee shots and delicate approaches, and Kim delivered on both fronts.
The Flop Shot that Stood Out
One of the most difficult shots in professional golf is the flop shot off a tight lie. Early in the round, Kim faced a narrow tee‑off on a narrow fairway, forcing a low, controlled drive. On the 12th hole, a short iron landed on a tight, uphill lie near a water hazard. Rather than playing it safe, Kim executed a high‑lofted flop shot that rose over the hazard and landed softly on the green, setting up a birdie opportunity. The shot was later highlighted in the “best shots of the day” recap, illustrating his confidence and skill.
Consistent Scoring and Strategic Play
Beyond the spectacular flop, Kim’s round was marked by steady scoring:
- Four birdies, including the one set up by the flop shot.
- Two pars on demanding par‑5 holes, where he managed to avoid the prevalent wind gusts.
- Only one bogey, a result of a mis‑read on a tricky bunker near the 18th green.
His ability to stay within the fairway on tight holes and his disciplined approach to the greens kept his round under par, moving him up the leaderboard.
Expert Analysis: Doug Bell’s Recap
Veteran analyst Doug Bell joined CBS Sports HQ to recap Round 2 of the 2026 3M Open. In his commentary, Bell praised Kim’s “calm composure on the tee” and highlighted the flop shot as “one of the most daring and perfectly executed mane
