Jackson Koivun beats Scottie Scheffler to win 3M Open on third pro start
Jackson Koivun claimed his first PGA Tour title in just his third professional start by holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler to win the 3M Open in Minnesota.
The 21-year-old finished three strokes clear after shooting a five-under-par 66 in Sunday’s final round at TPC Twin Cities.
His triumph shattered the tournament scoring record as the young American completed the week at a staggering 25 under par.
Scheffler pressure fails to break rookie
Scheffler had set a formidable clubhouse target of 22 under following a blistering final-round 63.
The world’s top-ranked golfer was seeking his first tournament victory since January’s American Express event.
However, the overnight leader maintained his composure despite intense pressure, delivering a bogey-free weekend to secure the trophy.
A spectacular 10-under-par 61 on Saturday had initially propelled the recent amateur standout into a commanding three-shot advantage over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles.
A rapid rise up the rankings
Having only turned professional following the US Open in June, the victorious prodigy’s transition to the elite level has been remarkably swift.
A missed cut at his debut John Deere Classic was quickly followed by a promising tie for 10th at the Isco Championship.
This landmark victory catapults the rising star 124 places up the FedEx Cup standings to 70th position.
“I heard the crowd saying, ‘Scottie’s coming, Scottie’s coming’ but I just tried to blank that out and play the golf I knew I could.”
“I love this game, it’s everything I do, and I just want to say thanks to my parents for getting me into this and supporting me on my entire journey.”
Comparisons to golf’s modern greats
The Minnesota triumph featured an astonishing 24 birdies and two eagles across the four days.
Golf analyst Simon Holmes believes the new champion possesses the necessary qualities to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“If you look at some of the talent that has come through that college system – Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland – you’d say he is at least on a par with all of those players.”
“But there is something in him that sets him apart from that group.”