3M Open: Jackson Koivun, 21, holds off Scottie Scheffler to secure victory in just third PGA Tour start as pro | Golf News
Jackson Koivun held off world No 1 Scottie Scheffler to win his first PGA Tour title in just his third start as a pro as he won by three strokes at the 3M Open in Minnesota.
The 21-year-old’s final round, five-under 66 came after Scheffler – seeking his first title since American Express returned in January – put the pressure on with an 8-under 63 to put the clubhouse score at 22 under par.
Koivun was three shots behind Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles after the third round following a bogeyless 10-under 61 that included two eagles and four birdies on the 8-under back nine.
The boy’s Sunday wasn’t all that great but he held his own to complete the victory, scoring a record 25 under par at the 3M Open as he completed a flawless weekend and division.
Koivun, who had started 10 matches as a tour novice, turned pro after the US Open in June and missed out on a title at his first event – the John Deere Classic – before finishing tied for 10th at the Isco Championship.
He made 24 birdies, those two eagles Saturday and just three eagles all week at TPC Twin Cities in a performance that showed a bright future and moved him up 124 spots to 70th in the FedExCup, the final playoff spot with two regular events remaining.
Koivun won his first PGA Tour title at just 21 years old
Koivun: Golf was love at first sight
He said afterwards: “I played a good round of golf. I definitely had the momentum going down 18 times.
“I heard the crowd saying, ‘Scottie’s coming, Scottie’s coming’ but I just tried to shut it down and play the golf I knew I could. I was able to get some good putts.
“I love this game, it’s everything I do. It was love at first sight and I want to thank my parents for getting me into this and supporting me throughout my journey.”
Koivun made just three bogeys all week, all in his second round
‘Houdini chipper Koivun will reach the top’
Sky Sports’ Simon Holmes on Jackson Koivun:
“He’s turbocharged and ready to sing fast. He’s in front of the camera and the media. This guy is going to build a lot of fans.
“If you look at some of the talent that came through that college program – Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland – you’d say he’s at least on the level of all those players. But there’s something about him that sets him apart from that group.
“Spieth had amazing putting but not a great driver. Morikawa, same, amazing irons.
“With Koivun, says the driver, it’s fun – he can play golf from the middle of the fairway. Iron control, amazing. Can he chip? For sure, he’s a player [Harry] Houdini.
“The best parts of his game are the way he sets things up and the way he thinks. He sees himself reaching the top of the pyramid – that’s the result he expects.
“Let’s see him take that trip. It will happen.”
Watch the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf from 7pm on Thursday. Coverage will resume on Sky Sports Main Event from 9.30pm. Get Sky Sports or stream golf without a contract NOW.
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