American rookie Jackson Koivun clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the 3M Open by holding off Scottie Scheffler, finishing three shots ahead with a 25-under-par total. The 21-year-old secured the win at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota after a tense final round.
Koivun, 21, became the eighth-youngest winner on the PGA Tour since 2017 after a dramatic final round at the 3M Open, where he overcame pressure from world number one Scottie Scheffler. The American rookie edged out Scheffler by three strokes, finishing at 25-under par, while Scheffler closed with an 8-under 63 to finish second at 22-under.
A Nerve-Testing Finish
Koivun’s victory was marked by resilience, particularly on the final hole. I had some nerves coming down 18,
Koivun said, referencing the crowd’s repeated chants of Scottie's coming, Scottie's coming.
Despite the pressure, he managed to card a 5-under 66 in the final round, sealing his win with a fifth birdie of the day at the 16th hole.
Scheffler, a four-time major champion, mounted a late charge, recording three consecutive birdies on the back nine and finishing with an 8-under 63. However, Koivun’s steady play and clutch putting proved decisive. I just tried to tune that out and keep playing the golf I knew I could,
Koivun added, reflecting on the crowd’s energy.
Koivun’s Road to Victory
Koivun, who announced last month he would be foregoing his senior season at Auburn to turn pro, made his first PGA Tour win at the 3M Open. The win moved him up 124 spots to No. 70 in the FedEx Cup standings.
The 3M Open marked Koivun’s third professional event. He had previously missed the cut at the John Deere Classic and finished tied for 10th at the ISCO Championship. His performance at the 3M Open, however, solidified his status as a rising star on the tour.
Koivun’s final score of 25-under par placed him ahead of a field that included Denny McCarthy, Brian Harman, and Chandler Phillips, who finished tied for third at 20-under with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. Michael Kim posted a 59 in the second round before settling for a tie for 10th.
Scheffler’s Persistent Pursuit
Despite the loss, Scheffler’s performance underscored his dominance. The world No. 1 has finished in the top five in eight of his last 10 tournaments, including five second-place finishes. His 15-under-par total over the final 36 holes demonstrated his ability to push for wins, even when facing a determined rookie.
Koivun’s win, however, marked a significant milestone for the young player and a moment of triumph for the PGA Tour’s newest star.
What’s Next for Koivun?
Koivun’s victory comes ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs, which begin with the FedEx St. Jude Championship from Aug. 13-16. His win also places him in position to compete for a share of the $8.8 million total purse.
The 3M Open’s final leaderboard saw Denny McCarthy, Brian Harman, and Chandler Phillips finished five strokes behind Koivun, in a tie for third with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. Koivun’s win, however, remains the defining moment of the tournament, showcasing the potential of a new generation of golfers on the PGA Tour.
The next event on the PGA Tour schedule is the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club from July 30-Aug. 2.
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