Jackson Koivun Wins 3M Open in Historic PGA Tour Breakthrough
BLAINE, Minn. — Golf has its newest superstar.
Just weeks after leaving Auburn University and turning professional, Jackson Koivun captured his first PGA Tour victory by winning the 2026 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. The 21-year-old phenom didn’t just win—he dominated one of the strongest fields outside of a major championship, defeating World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and setting a new tournament scoring record.
For many golf fans, the performance confirmed what insiders have believed for years: Jackson Koivun may be the next generational talent.
A Historic Victory in Just His Third Professional Start
Koivun finished the tournament at 25-under-par (259) after firing a final-round 66, winning by three strokes over Scottie Scheffler. Even more impressive, he completed the final 42 holes without making a bogey, displaying a level of composure rarely seen from someone making only his third professional start. His total also established a new 3M Open tournament record.
Following the victory, Koivun admitted the pressure was real.
“I definitely had some nerves down 18, but I was able to make the putts when I needed them.”
Those nerves never showed.
While Scheffler mounted a charge on Sunday, Koivun repeatedly answered with clutch iron shots and confident putting to close out the biggest win of his young career.
How Much Money Did Jackson Koivun Win?
The 2026 3M Open featured a total purse of $8.8 million, with the champion receiving $1,584,000.
Along with the massive payday, Koivun also earned:
- 500 FedExCup points
- A two-year PGA Tour exemption
- Invitations to many of golf’s premier tournaments, including the 2027 Masters Tournament
- A dramatic jump in the FedExCup standings
Just a month ago, Koivun was still competing as an amateur.
Now he’s a PGA Tour winner.
Auburn’s Greatest Golf Star?
Before turning professional, Koivun had already built one of the greatest collegiate golf careers in recent history at Auburn University.
His freshman season became legendary.
He swept virtually every major national college golf award, including:
- Fred Haskins Award
- Ben Hogan Award
- Jack Nicklaus Award
- Phil Mickelson Award
Very few players in NCAA history have accomplished that feat.
Instead of immediately turning professional after becoming the world’s top-ranked amateur, Koivun surprised many by returning to Auburn for another season to continue developing both as a player and teammate.
That decision appears to have paid off.
Auburn coaches consistently praised his maturity, relentless work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure—qualities that translated seamlessly onto the PGA Tour.
Why Everyone Is Comparing Him to Tiger Woods
Any time a young golfer bursts onto the scene, the inevitable question follows:
Is this the next Tiger Woods?
Those comparisons are dangerous, but they exist for good reason.
Like Woods, Koivun:
- Became the world’s top amateur.
- Dominated college golf.
- Turned professional with enormous expectations.
- Won almost immediately after joining the PGA Tour.
- Shows remarkable mental toughness under pressure.
His calm demeanor, elite ball striking, and ability to avoid mistakes have already impressed veteran analysts.
However, becoming “the next Tiger Woods” requires far more than early success.
Tiger transformed golf by winning 82 PGA Tour events, 15 major championships, and changing the popularity of the sport forever.
Koivun has taken only his first step.
Still, his ceiling appears incredibly high.
A Student of the Game
One thing coaches repeatedly mention is Koivun’s preparation.
Rather than relying solely on natural talent, he is known for meticulous course management, extensive practice routines, and detailed yardage books.
That discipline was evident throughout the week at TPC Twin Cities, where he consistently played smart golf instead of chasing risky shots.
It’s a style many compare more closely to Scottie Scheffler than to today’s power-first players.
Personal Life
Koivun was born in San Jose, California, before moving with his family to North Carolina, where he became one of the country’s top junior golfers. His father introduced him to golf at a young age, and his family has remained deeply involved throughout his development.
Away from tournaments, Koivun has built a reputation as one of the sport’s more humble young stars. Coaches and teammates frequently describe him as quiet, hardworking, and intensely competitive without seeking the spotlight.
That grounded personality has made him a fan favorite as his profile continues to rise.
What Comes Next?
With one PGA Tour victory already secured, expectations will only increase.
Golf now waits to see:
- Can Koivun contend in majors?
- Will he qualify for the Ryder Cup?
- Can he challenge Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and the game’s biggest names consistently?
Based on what fans witnessed at the 3M Open, those questions may be answered sooner rather than later.
Winning your first PGA Tour event is impressive.
Winning it in only your third professional start while holding off the best player in the world is something entirely different.
Jackson Koivun has officially arrived.
Whether he becomes the next Tiger Woods remains to be seen.
But after this weekend in Minnesota, golf’s newest superstar has everyone watching.
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