Koivun's Historic Win
Jackson Koivun Secures First PGA Tour Title at 3M Open, Breaks Tournament Record
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Key Points
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Koivun became the seventh first-time PGA Tour winner in 2026, and the seventh to win in just his third pro start, highlighting a notable early-season surge of new winners on the Tour.
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At Auburn, Koivun claimed the Hogan, Nicklaus and Haskins awards each twice, and is described as the first player in history to win all three in two seasons (2024 and 2026).
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Post-win, Koivun earned exemptions into the Rocket Classic and the Wyndham Championship, securing two more regular-season starts and a path toward the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
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Koivun's $1.584 million first-prize payout accompanied a final-round 66 that featured a record back-nine 28 on Sunday, finishing 25-under to cap a breakthrough performance.
Jackson Koivun, 21, won the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota on Sunday, finishing 25-under par to set a new 72-hole tournament record and claim his first PGA Tour title. He won by three strokes over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler — in just his third pro start. Golfweek reported Koivun took home $1.584 million and a two-year Tour exemption.
The Auburn product capped his final round with a stunning back-nine 28 on Sunday, firing a 66 to pull away from the field. According to HITC, the crowd kept reminding Koivun about Scheffler's presence — but it didn't rattle him.
Third Pro Start, First Trophy, Tournament Record
Koivun turned pro just weeks ago and wasted no time. His 25-under finish broke the 3M Open's all-time 72-hole scoring record. He beat Scheffler — the best player in the world — by three shots. HITC confirmed the win came in Koivun's third PGA Tour start as a professional.
His final round told the whole story. Koivun went out in a blaze on the back nine, posting a 28 — a remarkable stretch of scoring. He held his composure despite the crowd chanting Scheffler's name around him. Clutch Points noted that three key words kept Koivun locked in throughout the round.
Koivun Is the Seventh First-Time Winner of 2026
The 2026 PGA Tour season has been defined by newcomers. Golfweek reported that Koivun is the seventh first-time winner on Tour this year. He is also the seventh player to win in his third pro start — a remarkable coincidence that underlines how young talent is reshaping the season.
Yahoo Sports noted that Koivun's win came in back-to-back weeks of first-time winners on the PGA Tour. The wave of new champions has sparked wide discussion about the depth and youth pushing through the top level of professional golf in 2026.
A College Résumé Like No Other in Golf History
Before turning pro, Koivun built one of the most decorated college careers in golf history at Auburn. He won the Hogan, Nicklaus, and Haskins awards — the sport's top three college honors — twice each. He is the first player ever to sweep all three in two separate seasons, in 2024 and 2026.
Australian Golf Digest highlighted the clubs Koivun used at TPC Twin Cities, including a Titleist 620 MB iron set. The equipment detail drew attention from gear enthusiasts, but the bigger story was the player wielding it — a generational college talent now proving himself on the biggest stage.
Ryder Cup Buzz and What Comes Next for Koivun
The win immediately sparked debate about Team USA selections. Analysts began calling for Koivun to earn a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup rosters. At 21, with a win over the world's top player already on his résumé, the calls are hard to ignore.
In the short term, Koivun earned exemptions into the Rocket Classic and the Wyndham Championship — two more regular-season starts. Those events give him a clear path toward the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Golfweek noted his two-year Tour card means he has plenty of time to keep building — but he's clearly in no mood to wait.
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