Jackson Koivun, a 21‑year‑old newcomer to the professional ranks, managed to fend off a late surge from world number one Scottie Scheffler and secure his inaugural PGA Tour triumph at the 3M Open in Minnesota. The win came in only his third start as a professional, and Koivun finished three strokes clear of the field, posting a total of 25‑under‑par, which also set a new tournament scoring record. Koivun’s final round was a composed five‑under‑30‑shot 66. Earlier in the day, Scheffler, who had been hunting for his first victory since his American Express title in January, produced an eye‑popping eight‑under‑63 to establish a clubhouse total of 22‑under‑par.
The pressure was on, but the young Finn kept his nerves in check and delivered the steady play needed to stay ahead. The story of the tournament was largely written on Saturday, when Koivun produced a stunning 61‑stroke round that was completely bogey‑free.
He carded ten under par, including two eagles and four birdies on a back‑nine that was eight under. That magical round gave him a three‑stroke cushion over seasoned competitors Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles heading into the final day. Sunday was less dramatic but no less important. Koivun simply stuck to the game plan that had served him so well all week, avoiding any major mistakes and finishing the round with a par.
By doing so, he not only clinched the title but also cemented the 3M Open’s new low‑score benchmark at 25 under par, a mark that will stand for years to come. Before turning pro, Koivun had already tasted PGA Tour action as an amateur, making ten starts on the circuit. He decided to go professional after the U.S. Open in June.
His debut as a professional was a learning experience – he missed the cut at the John Deere Classic – but he quickly rebounded with a tied‑10th finish at the Isco Championship. The 3M Open victory marked a dramatic turnaround, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
Throughout the week at TPC Twin Cities, Koivun compiled an impressive stat line: 24 birdies, two eagles (both on Saturday), and only three bogeys across four rounds. His performance not only hinted at a luminous future but also catapulted him up the FedExCup rankings, leaping 124 spots to land at 70th place – the final qualifying position for the playoffs with two regular‑season events still to play. After the win, Koivun reflected on his experience: "I played a great round of golf. I definitely had some nerves coming down the 18th.
I heard the crowd chanting, 'Scottie's coming, Scottie's coming,' but I tried to block that out and focus on the golf I know I can play. I was able to find some good putts down the stretch. I love this game; it’s everything I do.
It was love at first sight, and I want to thank my parents for introducing me to it and supporting me throughout my journey." Sky Sports analyst Simon Holmes offered high praise for the new star: "He is turbocharged and ready to perform immediately. He has a natural presence in front of the camera and the media, and this guy is going to create a lot of fans. If you look at the talent that has come through the college system – Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland – you could argue he is at least on a par with those players, but there is something in him that sets him apart. Spieth had amazing putting but not a great driver; Morikawa had superb irons.
With Koivun, you have a fantastic driver – he can hit the ball from the middle of the fairway – and incredible iron control. Can he chip? Absolutely, he’s a Houdini on the short game.
"The best parts of his game are his putting and his mindset. He sees himself at the top of the pyramid – that is the outcome he expects. Let’s watch his journey; it’s going to happen." Koivun’s victory not only adds a fresh name to the list of young Americans and Europeans breaking through on the PGA Tour, but it also underscores the depth of talent emerging from the collegiate system.
His ability to combine power off the tee, precision with his irons, and a deft touch around the greens makes him a well‑rounded competitor capable of challenging the sport’s elite. Looking ahead, Koivun now has the confidence of a major tournament winner and the backing of a growing fan base. With two regular‑season events remaining before the FedExCup playoffs, he will aim to maintain his form, continue climbing the rankings, and perhaps add more titles to his résumé. If his performance at the 3M Open is any indication, the golf world can expect to hear his name more frequently in the years to come.