Golf did not have 58's and 59s for two reasons. Golfers believed they couldn't do it so they choked.
Back in the 1960s Homero Blancos was reported to have shot a 56. Tom Doty a score like that in the early 70s with maybe a 23 for 9! 10 under for a 4 hole stretch in that 9.
Just before his first Masters win Tiger shot a 58 in a money game with Mark O'Meara I think. Just before his Master's win Ian Woosnam shot 57 in his homeland with friends.
One of our braggers out here claims he has multiple scores in the 20s for 9 holes, I heard with a score close to Doty's in the mix! It sounds like a stretch.
One note, courses on the pro tour are so hard now compared to courses in the 1970s it is hard to believe! Much longer, much narrower and with deeper rough. If the courses were the same as the ones from the 70s one would expect to already see scores in the 56 and 57 range on a yearly basis and monthly in the 59/58 range.
Furyk's 58 and 59 will seal the deal to get him in the hall of fame! Now that he is relaxed doing it maybe he has a 57 in his wheelhouse!
Annika Sorenstam's often spent time with two coaches one from Arizona State(Pia Nilsson I believe). They ran a coaching service called Vision 54.
I believe as do they that there is such a thing out there! 18 birdies! Maybe better!
Of course not on a US Open course setup!
Stay tuned, Golf is not ruined! Just slightly under par will still often win the US Open and in many years scores near 10 under will win the Master's.
Life is still good. 90% of golfers still can't break 90! They didn't get the "How to Swing" memo.
Regards,
Luckylefty