We’ve seen some remarkable rounds of golf in recent years on the PGA Tour but the record for a nine-hole low score remains intact from when it was first set in 2006.
Scottie Scheffler has treated us to some stunning golf over the last two years and his score of 31-under par at this year’s Byron Nelson was a joy to behold.
Nevertheless, while Scheffler’s performance was super impressive, it hasn’t put him into the record books when it comes to the lowest nine hole score on the PGA Tour.
Instead, that honour goes to and remains with one of America’s favourite golfers in recent decades, Corey Pavin.
How Corey Pavin shot a record nine-hole score of 26 in 2006
The idea of going through nine holes in just 26 shots is quite mind boggling to the average amateur golfer.
But these players we watch every week are so good that they are indeed capable of such feats and in 2006, Corey Pavin pulled it off perfectly.
Playing in the US Bank Championship and put simply, he went out for his front nine like a man possessed.
Pavin birdied the first six holes before nearly making a mess of things on the par three seventh hole.
However, he recovered, making birdies on eight and nine to reach the turn in eight under par and put himself firmly in the driver’s seat for the tournament.
Remarkably though, Pavin only made one more birdie on the back nine and while he remained bogey free, he only finished at nine-under for his opening round, something of a disappointment after his start.
Nevertheless, Pavin would have the last laugh as he continued his remarkable form over the next few days and won the tournament ahead of Jerry Kelly by two shots at -20.
The lowest ever nine hole score in professional golf
While Pavin’s record remains intact and is specific to the PGA Tour, there has been one man who has outdone him.
That honour goes to Jamie Kureluk, who shot a stunning nine holes in just 25 shots back at the 2010 Alberta Open on the PGA Tour Canada.
Other golfers have come close to hitting the 27 mark. Jim Furyk shot 27 for nine holes during his 58 at the 2016 Travelers, while Brandt Snedeker is the only player to have shot 27 twice in his career.
A number of other big names like Paul Casey, Tom Kim and Dustin Johnson have also shot 27 through nine on the PGA Tour.
However, as of 2025, Corey Pavin remains out on his own with his 26 yet to be matched.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
