Jackson Koivun will make his professional debut at next week’s John Deere Classic.
Jeff Haynes, USGA
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK | In his final tournament as an amateur, Jackson Koivun added one more chapter to his exceptional story.
Koivun shot a final-round 68 at Shinnecock Hills to share low-amateur honors with Ryder Cowan at the U.S. Open. The pair finished at 5-over-par 285, tying for 23rd.
Koivun announced recently that he will forgo his senior year at Auburn University, where he helped the Tigers win the NCAA Championship earlier this month, to join the PGA Tour.
Having swept the college player of the year awards (Ben Hogan, Fred Haskins, Jack Nicklaus) for the second time, Koivun is among the most accomplished amateurs in years. He earned his tour card last year via the PGA Tour University Accelerated program.
He spent Saturday and Sunday at Shinnecock Hills paired with 17-year-old junior standout Miles Russell, who will enroll at Florida State in the fall of 2027. It was, in many eyes, a glimpse into the future of the PGA Tour, though it was the first time the two had played together.
Koivun is scheduled to make his professional debut at next week’s John Deere Classic.
“I’m excited to get out there. Last summer I played really well and just trying to keep it rolling into this summer and just looking forward to what’s ahead,” Koivun said. “That’s a good way to go out. We’re on to the next leagues now.”
Koivun and Russell were among the five amateurs to make the cut at the U.S. Open. Russell surprised his father, Joe, by calling him in to caddie for him on his final hole.
“It was kind of a fun Father's Day gift. Kind of cool since it was my first one. Hopefully it’s something he’ll remember for a long time,” said Russell, who finished T39 at 7-over par.
Cowan, a rising senior at Oklahoma, was one of the early stars of the week, shooting 68 in the first round including a 3-under 32 on his first nine holes, putting him briefly atop the leaderboard.
“Through nine, I looked up and I was 3-under par. I definitely looked at that leaderboard, and I saw it up there,” Cowan said.
“I feel like I was just trying to take it one shot at a time, not worry about what was going on. I could feel it for sure, but it felt good. It did.”
Marek Fleming, a rising junior at South Carolina, finished at 10-over 290 (T56) while Oklahoma State golfer Eric Lee finished at 13-over 293 (T63).
“Amateur golf is in a great spot right now,” Koivun said. “The college kids are definitely showing off, showing off how good they are. For five of us to make it through it’s quite impressive.”
Ron Green Jr.
