Chasing Sub-60: Patrick Reed Joins Elite 59 Club in Pro Golf

In golf, perfection is elusive, but a player flirts with it every so often, leaving us in awe of what’s possible. Patrick Reed’s recent near-perfect round showcased this brilliance. Hitting every fairway and every green in regulation, Reed displayed a level of precision and consistency that few golfers ever achieve. His 59 round raises an intriguing question: How does such a performance compare to the sporting equivalent in other arenas, such as baseball’s iconic no-hitter or perfect game?

Shooting 59: Golf's Pinnacle of Precision

Going Sub-60 on a golf course is one of the rarest feats in professional golf, requiring a flawless combination of ball-striking, putting, and mental resilience. A 59 means averaging 3.28 strokes per hole over 18 holes—a staggering level of performance. Players must capitalize on nearly every birdie opportunity while avoiding bogeys, showcasing mastery of every game element.

Patrick Reed's recent round, though not a 59, echoed the same principles of control and excellence. By hitting every fairway and green in regulation, Reed showed the kind of dominance over a golf course that parallels a pitcher shutting down a lineup in baseball.

The Baseball Comparison: No-Hitters and Perfect Games

The No-Hitter:
In baseball, a no-hitter occurs when a pitcher allows no hits over nine innings. Like a 59 in golf, it requires sustained precision, focus, and control. A pitcher must consistently locate pitches, adapt to opposing hitters, and rely on teammates to execute defensively. While rare, there have been a few hundred no-hitters in Major League Baseball history. The 326 no-hitters represent approximately 0.13% of all MLB games, highlighting the rarity and significance of achieving a no-hitter in baseball history.

The Perfect Game:
Even rarer is the perfect game—when a pitcher retires every batter faced, 27 up and 27 down. With just 24 perfect games recorded in MLB history, this feat represents absolute dominance and a complete absence of mistakes. It’s a fitting comparison to Reed’s recent round, where he hit every fairway and green, leaving no room for error in his execution. The 24 perfect games represent approximately 0.0096% of all MLB games, highlighting the exceptional rarity and significance of achieving a perfect game in baseball history.

Why Patrick Reed's 59 Round Stand Out

Reed’s round wasn’t just about hitting fairways and greens—it was about controlling every aspect of the game. He executed each shot with unwavering consistency and precision like a pitcher delivering a no-hitter. His performance highlights that near-perfection in golf requires exceptional skill, mental discipline, focus, and the ability to rise to the occasion. Of course, a little luck never hurts out there, either.

Patrick Reed's 59 Scorecard Stats

Achieving a sub-60 round in professional golf is a rare and remarkable feat. Only 14 such rounds have been recorded in PGA Tour history.

Among these, Jim Furyk's 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship stands out as the only previous instance where a player hit all 14 fairways and all 18 greens in regulation. Patrick Reed joins Jim Furyk in this exceptional rare performance.

The Mental Side of Perfection

Golf and baseball share a mental element that makes these feats extraordinary. A golfer chasing 59 must stay calm, even as they realize the magnitude of the moment. Similarly, a pitcher throwing a no-hitter must manage rising nerves and maintain focus as the game progresses. Both require athletes to push past pressure and execute at the highest level.

Why These Feats Captivate the Fans

Patrick Reed’s near-perfect round reminds us why we love sports. Rare moments like these showcase human potential when preparation meets opportunity. Whether it’s a 59 on the golf course or a perfect game in baseball, these achievements transcend the sport, inspiring players and fans alike.

Sure, Reed signed his scorecard for a 59, but his control over every shot mirrored his dominance, hitting all the fairways and greens we see in other sports’ greatest performances. It’s a testament to the pursuit of perfection—something every athlete strives for but few ever achieve. Just like any tremendous individual feat in sports, it also helps to win. Patrick Reed turned in a 66 to win the Link Hong Kong Open the very next day.

Patrick Reed earned Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for his victory at the Link Hong Kong Open. This tournament is part of the Asian Tour, which is recognized by the OWGR system. Reed's win contributes to his world ranking, reflecting his performance in this sanctioned event.