Koivun secures 3M Open victory in third professional start
Jackson Koivun claimed his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open, triumphing in just his third professional start. This achievement places him ahead of Tiger Woods, who secured his first professional title in his fifth start. Koivun, a 21-year-old, defeated World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler during the tournament at TPC Twin Cities.
The victory earned Koivun $1,584,000 and a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Prior to this win, his career earnings on the PGA Tour stood at $93,000. His performance at the 3M Open significantly multiplied his earnings, with the total purse for the event being $8.8 million.
Koivun’s journey on the PGA Tour began with his debut at the John Deere Classic, where he missed the cut. He then followed this with a top-10 finish at the ISCO Championship, where he shot a 12-under 268 and earned $93,000. He also had a strong showing at the U.S. Open, tying for 23rd place with a 5-over 285.
Early Career and Expectations
Koivun earned his PGA Tour membership through the university accelerated program, surpassing the 20-point threshold with a top-10 finish at the 2025 NCAA Championship. He was competing in his 13th event on the Tour overall, but only his third as a professional, when he secured the 3M Open title.
The Auburn product expressed confidence in his future, stating that this win marks the beginning of his dominance on the PGA Tour. He highlighted the importance of training and commitment, noting that it worked out for him at the tournament.
Auburn head men’s golf coach Nick Clinard praised Koivun, describing him as a phenomenal young man with star potential. Clinard noted Koivun’s maturation, leadership qualities, and strong work ethic, adding that Koivun aims to be the best player in the world.
Legendary golf coach Buddy Alexander, a former assistant at Auburn, made a comparison between Koivun and Tiger Woods, particularly regarding Koivun’s putting. Alexander stated that Koivun is the best putter he has ever seen, with a stroke that reminds him of Tiger Woods.
Comparing Achievements
Tiger Woods, an 82-time PGA Tour winner, competed in 14 events before turning professional. His professional debut was at the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open, where he finished tied for 60th and earned just over $2,500. Following this, Woods achieved an 11th-place finish, then a tie for fifth, a tie for third, and eventually won the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational.
Koivun is the youngest PGA Tour winner this season. However, he is not the only rookie to secure a title. Alex Fitzpatrick won at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, while Kristoffer Reitan and Stefano Mazzoli have also earned titles this season as first-time PGA Tour participants.
Koivun acknowledged the competitive nature of the PGA Tour, stating that sponsor exemptions last summer helped him become acquainted with playing at this level. He described his recent three events as a “wake-up call” but expressed satisfaction with his performance at the 3M Open.
Heading into the final day of the 3M Open, Koivun anticipated a strong test. He faced pressure from Scheffler, who shot a 6-under through the first 11 holes, closing the gap to within three strokes. Koivun maintained his focus, stating he would stick to his game plan and try to smile.
The 21-year-old Koivun’s win at the 3M Open marks a significant milestone in his nascent professional career.
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Source: themirror.com
