In the world of golf, legendary tales are almost as cherished as the sport itself. However, one such tale that has endured the test of time is the incredible golfing feat attributed to the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Rumors of his 38-under-par 34, punctuated by an astonishing five holes-in-one, have long been a source of both amazement and skepticism in golf circles and beyond.
The round in question allegedly took place at Pyongyang Golf Course, a venue that has been presented as the stage for Kim’s extraordinary achievement. While the scores were initially reported by the North Korean state news agency, a closer examination of the events suggests a far more mundane reality.
The story of Kim’s golfing miracle was recounted by a writer who traveled to North Korea in 2011. During this trip, the writer competed in the North Korean Open at Pyongyang Golf Course, the very location of Kim’s supposed record-breaking round. It was there that the club manager divulged the truth behind the golfing legend. It turns out that a simple scorekeeping error led to the myth of the five holes-in-one. The scorekeeper had been using a shorthand scoring system, marking 0 for pars, 1 for bogeys, and 2 for double-bogeys. However, the North Korean state news agency misinterpreted the five 1s on Kim’s scorecard as holes-in-one, thus giving birth to the outlandish tale that has persisted ever since.
The error is somewhat understandable given the unique methods of scorekeeping and the likely lack of experience of the local reporters with the nuances of golf scorecards. Moreover, North Korea’s isolation and propensity for disseminating inflated tales of their leaders’ prowess made the story spread without the usual scrutiny that might accompany such a claim elsewhere.
This incident is a fascinating example of how quickly and easily misinformation can spread, especially when it originates from an authoritative source and plays into the larger-than-life image of a figure like Kim Jong-il. It also serves as a reminder of the role that cultural misunderstandings and simple human error can play in the creation of a legend.
In addition to this revelation, the North Korean golf course, which holds a biannual tournament, continues to invite amateur foreign golfers to “develop a friendship with [North] Korean amateur golfers.” This offer, extended by the DPR Korea Tour website, adds a layer of intrigue and curiosity to a course already shrouded in the lore of its former leader’s mythical round.
While Kim Jong-il’s golf record has been debunked, the story continues to captivate and amuse. The tale may serve as a curious footnote in the history of a secretive state and a sport known for its storied traditions. As for the actual golfing abilities of Kim Jong-il, one may speculate, but the truth is likely far less dramatic than the legend that has, until now, overshadowed it.