Koivun’s Record-Setting Performance
Jackson Koivun has secured a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. Koivun’s impressive third round included a 10-under 61, highlighted by a record-breaking 28 on the back nine. This back-nine performance featured two eagles, contributing to his strong position.
The new PGA TOUR member’s round on Saturday saw him achieve his personal best score. He demonstrated strong play, leading the field in Strokes Gained: Total for the day. His performance was particularly notable in Strokes Gained: Approach, where he led, and he also ranked seventh in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Koivun’s eagles on the back nine came from similar distances. He also had an opportunity for a third eagle on the par-4 16th, though his 12-foot putt narrowly missed. Despite this, he maintained his momentum throughout the round, indicating a strategic approach to his play.
Chasers and Tournament Dynamics
Koivun’s lead sets the stage for a competitive Sunday, with a dozen golfers within six shots of the lead. Among the notable contenders is Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world. Scheffler, who began Saturday seven shots back, carded a 7-under 64 in the third round, including a 29 on the inward nine, to move into contention.
Other players making significant moves on Saturday included Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles, both of whom shot 65s in the third round. Kohles, who finished tied for third at the John Deere Classic recently, is hoping to leverage that experience for the final round. He noted his previous experience in a similar final-group situation, aiming to maintain his strong play.
Chandler Phillips is a shot further back at 16 under through 54 holes, alongside Michael Brennan, who posted an 8-under 63. Michael Kim, who made headlines with a 12-under 59 on Friday, shot a 1-under 70 in the third round and is among those tied for sixth.
The tournament features a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Koivun, at 21 years old, is poised for a significant win in only his third start as a full-fledged PGA TOUR member. He previously missed the cut at the John Deere Classic but followed that with a tie for 10th at the ISCO Championship.
Koivun’s Journey to the TOUR
Koivun earned his PGA TOUR status through the PGA TOUR University Accelerated program. He reached the 20-point threshold by achieving a T4 finish at the 2025 NCAA Championship. Although he secured his TOUR card in 2025, he returned to Auburn for the 2025-26 season.
During his time at Auburn, Koivun played a role in leading the Tigers to their second national title in three years. He also made history by becoming the first player to win all three player of the year awards—the Haskins, Hogan, and Nicklaus awards—more than once. His amateur career concluded at the U.S. Open, where he finished tied for 23rd.
Reflecting on his collegiate experience, Koivun mentioned the stressful situations encountered in national championships and collegiate play, which he plans to draw upon for the final round. He expressed excitement and readiness for the challenge, acknowledging the strong field behind him while intending to stick to his game plan for Sunday’s showdown.
The 3M Open is played at TPC Twin Cities, a course designed by Arnold Palmer with consultation from Tom Lehman. The course, which opened in 2000, has hosted the PGA TOUR since 2019 and will play to 7,431 yards with a par of 71 for the professionals this week.
Source: pgatour.com
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