Rising star Jackson Koivun holds off Scottie Scheffler for breakthrough PGA Tour victory

Jackson Koivun, in only his third professional outing, clinched a remarkable victory at the 3M Open on Sunday, fending off world number one Scottie Scheffler to set a new tournament record.

Koivun played a safe and steady game on a sweltering afternoon at the TPC Twin Cities, going bogey-free for the second straight day after a 61 on Saturday gave him a three-shot cushion.

The 21-year-old player, who led Auburn to the NCAA Championship last month, confidently held off the world’s top-ranked player in Scheffler, closing out a final-round five-under for a 3M Open record 25-under 259 total.

“All throughout the crowd I kept hearing, ‘Scottie’s coming. Scottie’s coming,'” Koivun said. “I just tried to tune that out and keep playing the golf I knew I could.”

Jackson Koivun reacts after winning the 3M Open (AP)

Scheffler had surged into contention with a 63 while playing five groups ahead, but had to settle for his fourth runner-up finish this season. His lone win this year came in his first start at The American Express in California.

Hideki Matsuyama, Brian Harman, Chandler Phillips and Denny McCarthy tied for third at 20 under.

Koivun, who became the fourth rookie winner this season, missed the cut at the John Deere Classic in Illinois and tied for 10th at the ISCO Championship in Kentucky earlier this month. He made 10 starts as an amateur on tour events.

Earning £1,186,000 for his win in Minnesota, Koivun also jumped 124 spots in the FedEx Cup standings into 70th, the last place above the cut for the playoffs with two regular season events remaining on the schedule.

Lee Hodges held the previous 3M Open record, finishing at 24-under 260 in 2023.