Jackson Koivun, a 21‑year‑old newcomer, managed to stave off a late surge from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and claim his inaugural PGA Tour title in only 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, a solid performance that held up against Scheffler’s blistering eight‑under‑par 63 on Saturday, which had set a clubhouse target of 22‑under‑par.
Scheffler, still searching for his first victory since the American Express tournament in January, applied relentless pressure in the closing holes, but the young Finn kept his poise and secured the win. The momentum for Koivun was built on a spectacular third‑round display.
He posted a bogey‑free 61, ten under par, featuring two eagles and four birdies on an eight‑under back nine. That round gave him a three‑stroke cushion over seasoned competitors Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles heading into the final day.
While Sunday’s round was less dramatic, Koivun’s steady play—culminating in a flawless par on the last hole—allowed him to preserve the lead and set a new 3M Open scoring record of 25 under par. Koivun’s path to this breakthrough was swift. After ten amateur starts on the Tour, he turned pro following the U.S. Open in June.
His professional debut at the John Deere Classic ended in a missed cut, but he quickly rebounded with a tied‑10th finish at the ISPS Handa Championship. At the 3M Open, he recorded 24 birdies, the two Saturday eagles, and only three bogeys throughout the week at TPC Twin Cities, a performance that signaled a bright future.
The victory catapulted him 124 places in the FedExCup standings, moving him to 70th—just inside the final playoff spot with two regular events remaining. 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 golf I know I can play. I found some good putts down the stretch. I love this game; it was love at first sight.
I want to thank my parents for introducing me to it and supporting me throughout my journey." Sky Sports analyst Simon Holmes praised Koivun’s readiness and charisma, noting, "He is turbocharged and ready to perform immediately. He has a strong presence on camera and with the media, and he’s going to attract a lot of fans. If you compare him to the talent that has emerged from the college system—Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland—he’s at least on par with them, but there’s something extra about him." Holmes highlighted the balance of Koivun’s skill set: "Spieth had phenomenal putting but a less powerful driver; Morikawa’s strengths lie in his iron play.
Koivun, however, boasts a fantastic driver—he can hit from the middle of the fairway—and his iron control is superb. Can he chip? Absolutely—he’s a Houdini around the greens. The best parts of his game are his putting and his mindset.
He envisions himself at the top of the pyramid, and that belief drives his performance." Koivun’s victory not only adds his name to the list of young players who have made an immediate impact on the Tour, but it also underscores the depth of talent emerging from the collegiate ranks in recent years. His ability to combine power, precision, and mental toughness suggests he could become a regular contender in major championships and a future world‑number‑one. Looking ahead, Koivun will aim to maintain his momentum through the remainder of the season, targeting the upcoming playoff events and striving to improve his consistency in high‑pressure situations.
With his recent surge, sponsors and fans alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop his game and chase further victories. The 3M Open win also serves as a reminder that the PGA Tour remains an arena where fresh talent can rise quickly, challenging established stars and reshaping the competitive landscape. As Koivun’s career unfolds, his early success provides a compelling narrative for golf enthusiasts and a promising sign for the sport’s next generation of champions.