The PGA Tour is known for its four-round tournaments where players compete over 72 holes to determine a winner. Factors like weather conditions, course set-up, and player form can impact the winning scores of these tournaments. However, there are times when these factors align, resulting in some low scores being fired. In 2022, at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, and Matt Jones made history by all finishing over 30-under-par in their 72-hole scores. Smith emerged victorious with a score of 34-under-par, followed closely by Rahm at 33-under and Jones at 32-under.
The record for the lowest scoring tournament, to par, in PGA Tour history was previously held by Ernie Els at the 2003 Mercedes Championship. His 31-under total stood for 19 years before being surpassed by Smith, Rahm, and Jones at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in 2022. Interestingly, most of these record-breaking scores have occurred at the Kapalua Plantation Course, known for yielding low scores on the PGA Tour. The only exception was Dustin Johnson, who broke 30-under at the Northern Trust played at TPC Boston, a par 71 course.
While there have been instances of lower scores in five-round tournaments on the PGA Tour, the focus here is on the standard 72-hole events. Players like Joe Durant have recorded impressive scores like 36-under-par at the 2001 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. However, it’s the four-round tournaments that typically see record-breaking scores like those achieved by Smith, Rahm, and Jones, as well as Els and Johnson. Along with the score to par, the aggregate score of the four rounds is also considered in determining records.
In terms of aggregate scores, Justin Thomas and Ludvig Aberg hold the record for firing tournament totals of 253 at the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii and 2023 RSM Classic, respectively. Thomas achieved his score at Waialae Country Club, while Aberg did it at Sea Island Golf Club. Other players like Tommy Armour III, Mark Calcavecchia, and Mike Souchak have also achieved impressive aggregate scores in PGA Tour history. These records showcase the skill and talent of these players in navigating the challenges of four-round tournaments to come out on top with exceptional scores.
