Full Breakdown
Jackson Koivun Wins 3M Open in Third Professional Start
7/27/2026, 11:57:58 AM
Core Event
On July 26, 2026 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, 21-year-old Jackson Koivun captured his first PGA Tour title. He posted a final-round 5-under-par 66 to finish at 25-under-par 259, a new 3M Open scoring record, and won by three strokes over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who carded a 63 (8-under) for a total of 22-under. Koivun’s victory earned him $1,584,000 and a two-year Tour exemption.
Background & Context
Koivun turned pro in June after a decorated collegiate career at Auburn University, where he helped the team win its second NCAA championship and earned multiple SEC Player of the Year honors. He earned PGA Tour membership through the PGA Tour University program. His professional debut at the John Deere Classic resulted in a missed cut; he followed that with a T-10 finish at the ISCO Championship before the 3M Open.
Data & Statistics
- Round scores: 64, 68, 61, 66 (total 259).
- Record back-nine on Saturday: 28 strokes, the lowest ever recorded at the event.
- Bogey-free stretch: 42 consecutive holes (final 36) without a bogey.
- FedEx Cup impact: Koivun jumped 124 spots to 70th, securing a playoff berth with two regular-season events remaining.
- Prize distribution: $1,584,000 to Koivun; $959,200 to Scheffler (second place).
Official Statements & Responses
Koivun described his Sunday round as “great” and acknowledged nerves on the 18th, saying he tried to block out the crowd’s chant of “Scottie’s coming.” He highlighted a critical 15-foot par putt on the ninth that preserved a five-stroke cushion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I played a great round of golf today,” — Jackson Koivun, 21.
- “Depending on how Jackson played, I knew I was going to need a really low number regardless,” — Scottie Scheffler.
Why It Matters / Impact
Koivun’s win secures a two-year exemption, entry into the 2027 Masters and PGA Championship, and full FedEx Cup points for the remainder of the season. The victory also validates the PGA Tour University pathway, showing that top amateurs can transition rapidly to Tour success.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the size of Koivun’s lead during the final round. Early coverage described a five-stroke advantage after the fourth hole, while later reports noted a three-stroke margin at the round’s conclusion. Both figures appear in contemporaneous accounts, reflecting the shifting leaderboard as Scheffler mounted his charge.
What’s Next
Koivun is slated to compete in the Rocket Classic in Detroit the following week, a tournament that offers additional FedEx Cup points. Maintaining his position above the 70-player cutoff will determine whether he participates in the FedEx Cup Playoffs beginning in mid-August.
