KITAYAMA'S 60 & THE NIEMANN SHOW - July 27th, 2025

On July 26th, Kurt Kitayama's chase for 59 electrified the 3M Open, setting up a final-round shootout, while Joaquin Niemann built a massive six-shot lead at Liv Golf UK.

3M OPEN SHOOTOUT & A LEGEND'S FAREWELL

• Kurt Kitayama tied the course record with a stunning 60, vaulting 48 spots up a packed leaderboard where Akshay Bhatia and Thorbjørn Olesen share the lead. 21 players are within four shots heading into Sunday.
• On Kitayama's near-eagle on 18 that would have given him a 59, a commentator noted the ball "took a peek... it had the side cheese on it."
• Thorbjørn Olesen's first-ever PGA Tour ace was called by the retiring Ian Baker-Finch, prompting Jim Nantz to tell him, "Call it fate... you have another one of your rising to the moment, great calls."

THE JOAQUIN NIEMANN SHOW

• Joaquin Niemann is putting on a clinic at Liv Golf UK, firing a 63 to build a commanding six-shot lead as he chases a record fifth Liv Golf title. His Torque GC also leads the team competition.
• Niemann was in such a zone that he said he was "laughing on the course of how many putts I was making."
• In the chase pack, Caleb Surratt had a wild day: he switched to new irons, accidentally hit a child with a tee shot (but recovered for birdie), and has a bet to solve a Rubik's Cube.

Quick Hits

Akshay's "high lips" putt • Bubba's "hammer" putter • Officials move the 3M sign

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