Jackson Koivun, the 21‑year‑old newcomer, managed to fend off a late surge from world number one Scottie Scheffler and secured his inaugural PGA Tour championship on just his third professional start. The triumph came at the 3M Open in Minnesota, where Koivun finished three strokes clear of the field, posting a final‑round 66 that sealed a total of 25‑under‑par, a new tournament record. Scheffler, who has not claimed a title since his win at the American Express tournament in January, entered the final day with a blistering eight‑under‑par 63, which set the clubhouse benchmark at 22‑under. Despite the pressure from the top‑ranked American, Koivun remained composed, delivering a steady five‑under‑par 66 that preserved his lead.
The young Finnish‑American’s momentum had been building all week. After a spectacular third round in which he carded a bogey‑free 61, ten strokes under par, he held a three‑shot advantage over seasoned competitors Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles. That magical round featured two eagles and four birdies on an eight‑under back nine, showcasing a blend of power and precision that left spectators in awe. Sunday’s round was less dramatic but no less important.
Koivun kept his nerves in check, navigating the course without a single mistake and finishing with a flawless par on the final hole. In doing so, he not only clinched the title but also etched his name in the event’s history books with a 25‑under‑par total, the lowest score ever recorded at the 3M Open. Koivun’s path to this breakthrough has been swift. After making ten amateur appearances on the PGA Tour, he turned professional following the U.S.
Open in June. His debut as a pro at the John Deere Classic ended in a missed cut, but he quickly rebounded with a tied‑10th finish at the Isco Championship. At TPC Twin Cities, he amassed 24 birdies, recorded two eagles on Saturday, and limited his mistakes to just three bogeys over four days.
Such a performance not only highlighted his raw talent but also vaulted him 124 places in the FedExCup rankings, landing him at 70th – the final spot that guarantees a place in the season‑ending playoffs with two regular events still to play. Reflecting on his victory, Koivun said, "I played a great round of golf.
I definitely had some nerves coming down 18. I heard the crowd chanting, 'Scottie's coming, Scottie's coming,' but I tried to block that out and focus on the game I know I can play.
I was able to find some good putts down the stretch. I love this sport; 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, noting, "He is turbo‑charged and ready to perform immediately. He has a strong media presence and will quickly amass a fan base.
When you compare him to the talent that has emerged from the college system—Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland—Koivun stands shoulder‑to‑shoulder with them, yet there is something uniquely compelling about his game." Holmes continued, "Spieth had phenomenal putting but a modest driver; Morikawa excelled with his irons. Koivun, however, combines a powerful driver with the ability to hit from the middle of the fairway, exceptional iron control, and a chip game that is practically Houdini‑like.
His putting and mindset are his greatest assets, and he envisions himself at the summit of the sport." The analyst concluded, "We will watch his journey closely. It is only a matter of time before he reaches the top of the pyramid." Koivun’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also signals the arrival of a fresh contender on the PGA Tour.
His blend of power, precision, and mental fortitude suggests a promising future, and his rapid ascent will likely inspire a new generation of golfers. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the young champion to see how he builds on this early success and whether he can sustain the high level of play that earned him a historic win at the 3M Open.