Jackson Koivun, only 21, managed to stave off a late surge from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and claim his inaugural PGA Tour title in just his third start as a professional. The triumph came at the 3M Open in Minnesota, where Koivun finished three strokes clear of the field.
Koivun’s final round was a composed five‑under‑par 66, which proved enough to hold off Scheffler’s charge. The American, eager for his first victory since the American Express tournament in January, had posted a blistering eight‑under‑par 63 earlier in the day, setting a clubhouse total of 22‑under‑par. That score put significant pressure on the young Finn, but Koivun’s steady play kept the lead intact. The momentum for Koivun had been building throughout the tournament.
After three rounds he held a three‑shot advantage over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles, a cushion he earned with a spectacular ten‑under‑par 61 in the third round. That round was remarkable for its two eagles and a string of four birdies on an eight‑under back nine, all achieved without a single bogey. Sunday’s round was less dramatic but equally effective. Koivun maintained his composure, carding a flawless par‑free weekend and cementing a new 3M Open scoring record of 25‑under‑par.
Over the course of the week he amassed 24 birdies, added two eagles on Saturday, and recorded only three bogeys, a performance that signaled a very bright future for the newcomer. Prior to turning professional, Koivun had already tasted PGA Tour action as an amateur, making ten starts on the circuit. He turned pro after the U.S. Open in June.
His first professional outing at the John Deere Classic ended in a missed cut, but he quickly rebounded with a tied‑10th finish at the Isco Championship, showing that his talent could translate to the pro ranks. The victory propelled Koivun up 124 places in the FedExCup rankings, landing him at 70th – the final playoff spot – with two regular‑season events still to play. In post‑round comments he admitted to feeling nerves as he approached the final holes, recalling the crowd chanting, “Scottie’s coming, Scottie’s coming.” He said he deliberately blocked out the noise and focused on the golf he knew he could play, especially trusting his putting on the closing stretch.
He also expressed gratitude to his parents for introducing him to the game and supporting his journey, noting that his love for golf began the moment he first swung a club. "I love this game, it’s everything I do.
It was love at first sight," he said. Sky Sports analyst Simon Holmes offered high praise for the new champion, describing him as "turbocharged" and ready to perform immediately. Holmes noted Koivun’s comfort in front of cameras and his potential to attract a large fan base.
Comparing him to other successful college‑system graduates such as Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland, Holmes argued that Koivun is at least on par with those players, yet possesses a unique quality that sets him apart. Holmes highlighted Koivun’s driver as "fantastic," capable of delivering the ball from the middle of the fairway, and praised his iron control as "amazing." He added that Koivun’s short‑game is also exceptional, calling his chipping ability "Harry Houdini‑like." According to Holmes, the best aspects of Koivun’s game are his putting and his mental approach, which give him confidence that he can eventually reach the pinnacle of the sport. Looking ahead, the consensus among commentators is that Koivun’s journey to the top of the golf pyramid is not a matter of if but when. His early success, combined with a well‑rounded skill set and a mature mindset, suggests that he could become a regular contender on the PGA Tour in the near future.
The 3M Open victory also secured Koivun a place in the upcoming PGA Tour playoffs, giving him the opportunity to test his mettle against the world’s best in high‑stakes competition. Fans can expect to see him featured in future broadcasts, including the Rocket Classic on Sky Sports Golf and other major events.
For those interested in following Koivun’s progress, Sky Sports will continue to provide coverage, analysis, and interviews. The network also offers streaming options through NOW without a contract, allowing viewers to keep up with the rising star’s career as it unfolds. Overall, Jackson Koivun’s breakthrough win at the 3M Open serves as a compelling reminder that talent, composure, and a supportive environment can combine to produce a champion, even at the very start of a professional career.