Historic Presidents Cup Selection
PGA Tour Rookie Jackson Koivun Earns Captain's Pick for Presidents Cup
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Key Points
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In just his third start as a professional, Koivun captured the 2026 3M Open by three shots over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, posting a 25-under 259 and setting the event’s scoring mark.
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Koivun is the youngest American named to the Presidents Cup team since Jordan Spieth in 2013 (Spieth was 20 at the time).
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He became the first golfer to sweep all three national player‑of‑the‑year awards (Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus) twice, doing so in 2024 and 2026 as part of his exceptional amateur résumé.
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Koivun earned PGA Tour membership through the PGA Tour U Accelerated program, a pathway that awards points for collegiate accomplishments to fast‑track players to the Tour.
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Auburn credited Koivun as a contributor to its second NCAA men’s golf championship in three years, part of a career highlighted by back-to-back national awards and a rapid rise to the Tour.
Jackson Koivun, a 21-year-old PGA Tour rookie from Auburn, was named one of six captain's picks for the 2026 Presidents Cup by Team USA captain Brandt Snedeker. Koivun becomes the youngest American selected to the biennial team since Jordan Spieth in 2013, just three months after turning professional NBC Sports.
The selection caps a meteoric rise: Koivun won the 3M Open in just his third professional start, shooting 25-under 259 and beating world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by three shots. His amateur résumé was equally dominant — he swept all three national player-of-the-year awards twice and won two NCAA championships with Auburn IJR.
From Amateur Phenom to Tour Winner in Weeks
Koivun's professional debut came mere months after his final college tournament. He gained PGA Tour membership through the PGA Tour U Accelerated program, which fast-tracks top collegians using points from amateur success River Bender. His first win — the 3M Open — set a new scoring record for the event NBC Sports.
Auburn's Program Produces Elite Talent
Koivun was instrumental in Auburn's second NCAA championship in three years, part of a program that consistently develops Tour-ready players. His back-to-back national player-of-the-year sweeps — winning the Haskins, Hogan, and Nicklaus awards in both 2024 and 2026 — underscore his dominance in college golf IJR.
Strong U.S. Team Heads to Medinah
The Presidents Cup runs September 24–27 at Medinah Country Club near Chicago. Team USA features established stars including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas, and Chris Gotterup. Snedeker chose Koivun specifically for his ability to complement the team's pairings and elevate group dynamics NBC Sports.
Youngest Cap Pick in Over a Decade
At 21, Koivun joins an exclusive club. Jordan Spieth held the record as the youngest U.S. Presidents Cup captain's pick, selected at age 20 in 2013. Koivun's selection just 12 weeks after leaving college reflects both his exceptional talent and Team USA's confidence in youth development River Bender.
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