In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Cristobal Del Solar of Chile etched his name in the record books of the Korn Ferry Tour on Thursday with an awe-inspiring 13-under 57 in the Astara Golf Championship. This historic round not only set a new Korn Ferry Tour record but also matched the record for the lowest round in any PGA Tour-sanctioned event and other tours affiliated with the Official World Golf Ranking.
Del Solar, a seasoned golfer at the age of 30 who honed his skills during his college days at Florida State, delivered a flawless performance at the Pacos course of the Bogota Country Club. Despite making par on his final three holes, he managed to achieve an exceptional score of 57.
The Chilean golfer dazzled spectators with two exceptional eagles, one of which came on the challenging 330-yard ninth hole, enabling him to score an impressive 8-under 27 for the front nine - thus, tying the record for the lowest nine-hole score in Korn Ferry Tour history.
What makes Del Solar's achievement even more remarkable is the fact that the Pacos course measures 6,254 yards at an elevation of approximately 8,500 feet. Adapting to such demanding conditions requires immense skill and composure, both of which Del Solar clearly possessed.
This extraordinary feat shattered the previous Korn Ferry Tour record of 58 set by Stephan Jaeger in the first round of the Ellie Mae Classic in 2016. The record for a 57 in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event was initially established by David Carey at the 2019 Cervino Open on the Alps Tour. Del Solar now joins the illustrious group of 53 players worldwide who have achieved sub-60 rounds on various tours, including the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and LIV Golf, since Al Geiberger's groundbreaking 59 in the 1977 Memphis Classic.
It seems that each passing year brings a new sub-60 round to the world of golf. Just last week, Joaquin Niemann shot a phenomenal 59 at LIV Golf Mayakoba, adding to the long list of jaw-dropping performances. This serves as a testament to the exceptional skill and talent of professional golfers who continue to push the boundaries of the sport.
Del Solar now enjoys a comfortable four-shot lead as he prepares to take on the Lagos course, which measures 7,237 yards. As the tournament progresses, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing additional displays of skill and the possibility of further records being shattered.
Cristobal Del Solar's exceptional round of 57 will forever be etched in golf history. This astonishing achievement serves as a reminder of the immense talent and dedication possessed by these athletes, inspiring a new generation of golfers to strive for greatness.
