Jackson Koivun earned his first PGA Tour victory, beating World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in just his third professional debut with a three-shot victory at the 3M Open in Minnesota.
Schaeffler, who shot a 5-under 66 in his final round as a 21-year-old, put the pressure on with an 8-under 63 to post a clubhouse score of 22 under par as he seeks his first win since American Express last January.
Koivun took a three-stroke lead over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles after three rounds following a stunning bogey-free 10-under 61 that included two eagles and four birdies on an 8-under back nine.
Scottie Scheffler’s 8-under 63 was in vain Sunday as he was three shots clear of Koivun.
The youngster’s Sunday wasn’t all that dramatic, but he maintained his composure to take the win, and in the process secure a 3M Open scoring record of 25 under par, capping off a flawless weekend with par.
Koibun, who made 10 starts as an amateur on tour, turned professional after the U.S. Open in June and finished tied for 10th at the ISCO Championship after missing the cut in his first event, the John Deere Classic.
He had just 24 birdies all week, two eagles on Saturday and three bogeys in a game that hinted at a very bright future, and he rose 124 spots to 70th in the FedEx Cup standings. This is the final playoff spot with two regular events remaining.
Koivun won his first PGA Tour title at the age of 21.
Koivun: Golf was love at first sight.
He later said: “I played a very good round of golf. I definitely felt a little nervous on the 18th hole.
“I heard the crowd say, ‘Here comes Scotty, here comes Scotty,’ but I just ignored them and tried to play the golf I knew I could. I was able to find a good putt in the section.
“I love this game. It’s everything I do. It was love at first sight. I want to thank my parents for getting me into this game and supporting me throughout my journey.”
Koibun made only three bogeys in the second round all week.
‘Houdini chipper Koivun will rise to the top’
Sky Sports’ Simon Holmes on Jackson Koivu:
“He’s turbocharged and ready to perform at a moment’s notice. He’s got presence in front of the cameras and the media. This guy is going to make a lot of fans.”
“If you look at the talent that has come through the college system – Jordan Spieth, Colin Morikawa, Victor Hovland – you could say he’s at least equal to all of those players, but there’s something about him that sets him apart from that group.
“Spice had amazing putting, but he wasn’t a great driver. He was similar to Morikawa, he had amazing irons.
“Koybun’s driver is fantastic. He can hit it in the middle of the fairway. His iron control is great. Can you chip in? Of course he is (Harry) Houdini.
“The best part of his game is his putting and his mindset. He sees himself getting to the top of the pyramid. This is the result he expects.
“Let’s see him make that trip. It’s going to happen.”
Watch the PGA Tour Rocket Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 7pm on Thursday. Coverage will also begin on Sky Sports Main Event from 9.30pm. Get Sky Sports or stream golf without a contract with NOW.
Book your round at the best price at one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
