3M Open: Jackson Koivun, 21, holds off Scotty Scheffler to secure just third PGA Tour win as pro | golf news

Jackson Koivun held off a charge from world No. 1 Scotty Scheffler to win his first PGA Tour title in just his third start as a professional as he won the 3M Open in Minnesota by three strokes.

The 21-year-old’s final round, five-under 66 came after Scheffler – seeking his first title since returning to American Express in January – applied the pressure with an eight-under 63 to post a clubhouse score of 22 under par.

Koivun built a three-shot lead over Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles with a stunning, bogeyless 10-under 61 that included two eagles and four birdies on an eight-under back nine.

The youngster’s Sunday wasn’t quite as dramatic but he kept his cool to win outright, securing the 3M Open 25 under par scoring record in the process as he capped off a blemish-free weekend.

Koivun, who made 10 starts as an amateur on tour, turned pro after the US Open in June and missed the cut at his first event – the John Deere Classic – before finishing tied for 10th at the Isco Championship.

He produced 24 birdies, those two Saturday eagles and just three bogeys all week at TPC Twin Cities during a performance that hinted at a very bright future and also moved him up 124 spots to 70th in the FedExCup standings, a final playoff berth with two regular events remaining.

Koivun: Golf was love at first sight

He later said: “I played a great round of golf. I definitely got down to some nerves at 18.

“I heard the crowd saying, ‘Scotty’s coming, Scotty’s coming’ but I just tried to space it out and play the golf I knew I could. I found some good putts down the stretch.

“I love this game, it’s everything to me. It was love at first sight and I just want to thank my parents for getting me into it and supporting me throughout my journey.”

‘Houdini Chipper Koivun will rise to the top’

Sky Sports’ Simon Holmes on Jackson Koivu:

“He is turbocharged and ready to act immediately. He has presence in front of cameras and media. This guy is going to make a lot of fans.

“If you look at the talent that’s come through the college system — Jordan Spieth, Colin Morikawa and Victor Hovland — you’d say he’s at least on par with all of those players. But there’s something about him that separates him from that group.

“Spieth had amazing putting but not a great driver. Morikawa, likewise, amazing irons.

“With Koivun, you say driver, fantastic – he can play golf from the middle of the fairway. Iron control, amazing. Can he chip? Sure, he’s a (Harry) Houdini.

“The best parts of his game are his putting and his mentality. He sees himself reaching the top of the pyramid – that’s the result he hopes for.

“Let’s see him on that journey. It’s going to happen.”

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