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Jackson Koivun held off a charge from world No 1 Scottie Scheffler to win his first PGA Tour title in just his third start as a professional as he triumphed by three strokes at the 3M Open in Minnesota.
The 21-year-old’s final-round, five-under 66 came after Scheffler – looking for his first title since the American Express back in January – applied the pressure with an eight-under 63 to post the clubhouse score at 22 under par.
Koivun had carved out a three-shot lead over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles after round three following a stunning, bogeyless 10-under 61 that included two eagles and four birdies on an eight-under back nine.
The youngster’s Sunday was not as dramatic but he kept his cool to complete victory, securing the 3M Open scoring record of 25 under par in the process as he finished a blemish-free weekend with a par.
Koivun, who had made 10 starts as an amateur on the tour, turned professional after the US Open in June and missed the cut in his first event – the John Deere Classic – before finishing tied-10th at the Isco Championship.
He made 24 birdies, those two Saturday eagles and just three bogeys all week at TPC Twin Cities during a performance that hinted at an extremely bright future and also pushed him up 124 spots in the FedExCup standings to 70th, the final play-off berth with two regular events remaining.
Koivun won his first PGA Tour title at the age of just 21
Koivun: Golf was love at first sight
He said afterwards: “I played a great round of golf. I definitely had some nerves coming down 18.
“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 was able to find some good putts down the stretch.
“I love this game, it’s everything I do. It was love at first sight and I just want to say thanks to my parents for getting me into this and supporting me on my entire journey.”
Koivun made just three bogeys throughout the week, all in his second round
‘Houdini chipper Koivun will make it to the top’
Sky Sports’ Simon Holmes on Jackson Koivun:
“He is turbocharged and ready to perform immediately. He has presence in front of the camera and media. This guy is going to create a lot of fans.
“If you look at some of the talent th.at 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.
“Spieth had amazing putting but not a great driver. Morikawa, similar, amazing irons.
“With Koivun, you say driver, fantastic – he can play golf from the middle of the fairway. Iron control, amazing. Can he chip? Absolutely, he is a [Harry] Houdini.
“The best parts of his game are his putting and his mindset. He sees himself reaching the top of the pyramid – that is the outcome he expects.
“Let’s see him make that journey. It’s going to happen.”
Watch the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic, live on Sky Sports Golf from 7pm on Thursday. Coverage also picks up on Sky Sports Main Event from 9.30pm. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract through NOW.
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