Jackson Koivun has accomplished almost everything you can in the amateur game. That’s why he’s turning professional after the U.S. Open.
The world’s No. 1 amateur, who earlier this month helped Auburn win its second national title in three years, announced he is turning professional and beginning his PGA Tour career after the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Koivun is exempt into the U.S. Open as an amateur, hence why he’s waiting until after to officially conclude his amateur career. His first start as a pro will come at the John Deere Classic.
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He will have immediate playing privileges on the PGA Tour thanks to earning his card via PGA Tour University Accelerated. Koivun could’ve turned professional after his sophomore season but decided to return for his junior year, and it was a historic one.
“I’m grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me an incredible college experience – competing alongside my teammates, who are brothers for life, and helping bring home this program’s first two national championships, this has been a remarkable journey,” Koivun said in a release. “But, as I look to continue my own golf journey, I have decided to forego my senior season at Auburn to pursue my lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour. I’m forever grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received from teammates, coaches, support staff, fans and – most importantly, my family – and I look forward to taking the next step in my career.”
Jackson Koivun (USA) makes his putt on the 18th hole to win the match as seen during foursome matches of the 2025 Walker Cup at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.
By turning pro after the U.S. Open, Koivun will pass up an exemption into the Open Championship that he earned winning the McCormack Medal in 2025. He’ll have PGA Tour eligibility through the end of the 2027 season.
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Koivun is a three-time Golfweek first-team All-American and participated in the 2025 Walker Cup at Cypress Point last summer. He has the three lowest scoring averages in Auburn history and holds the record for single-season top-10 finishes (12, twice), single-season rounds in the 60s (26) and single-season subpar rounds (31). His career scoring average (68.89) is more than a stroke lower than the next closest golfer (Brendan Valdes, 70.61). He finished his college career with 11 wins, tied for eighth on the all-time college golf wins list.
As an amateur, Koivun has made nine starts on the PGA Tour, making seven cuts with a pair of top-5 finishes, including four straight top 11s last year. When he finished top 10 at the NCAA Championship last year to earn his Tour card, he joining Gordon Sargent and Luke Clanton as the only golfers to earn PGA Tour cards via Accelerated.
This season, he became the fourth golfer to win multiple Fred Haskins Awards, third to win two Ben Hogan Awards and only the second to claim a pair of Jack Nicklaus Awards. Data Golf ranks Koivun as the best amateur in the world since 2010 using Strokes Gained data, and there’s an argument to be made he’s the best this century.
With nothing left to prove in his amateur career, Koivun’s professional journey will begin after the U.S. Open.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: No. 1 amateur Jackson Koivun turning pro after U.S. Open
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