Decorated amateur golf star announces he's joining PGA Tour after U.S. Open
Jackson Koivun has confirmed he will be turning professional and joining the PGA Tour after the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
One of the most talked-about amateurs in U.S. golf in history has announced he is turning professional and will join the PGA Tour.
Jackson Koivun confirmed on 12 June that he will forgo his senior season at Auburn and will turn pro next month.
The 21-year-old's first appearance in the paid ranks will be the 2026 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.
He will still compete in next week's U.S. Open as an amateur after qualifying for the third men's major of the year by winning the Mark H. McCormack medal.
"I'm grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me the most incredible college experience I could've ever imagined," Koivun said in a statement.
"From bringing home a pair of national championships to the late nights and early mornings grinding at the facility and competing alongside guys I'll call brothers for the rest of my life, I wouldn't trade it for the world."
Watch Koivun's statement here:
Koivun is the holder of multiple university and individual records.
He leaves Auburn having led the Tigers to two national championships.
Koivun did enough to join the PGA Tour via their collegiate pathway during his sophomore season but elected to continue with his education.
In total, Koivun won 11 tournaments while Auburn - the most in the program's history.
And he also won three national individual player of the year awards (Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus).
His scoring averages of 68.2 and 68.89 are both NCAA records.
Koivun is 254th in the Official World Golf Ranking, though DataGolf have the golfer 28ths, just behind former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and former Open winner Shane Lowry.
His debut will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
Koivun has already made nine starts on the PGA Tour as an amateur.
In 2025 alone, he posted three top 10 finishes (ISCO Championship, Wyndham Championship, Procore Championship).
Elsewhere, Malbon Golf have hinted Koivun will be one of their ambassadors:
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