Scottie Scheffler's reaction to Jackson Koivun's historic win speaks volumes

Scottie Scheffler's reaction after falling short to Jackson Koivun at the 3M Open perhaps told you everything you need to know about golf's newest PGA Tour winner.

Koivun, 21, captured his maiden PGA Tour title in just his third professional start, completing a remarkable breakthrough victory over the World No.1.

The former World No.1 amateur, who enjoyed a record-breaking college career at Auburn University, fired sensational weekend rounds of 61 and 66 to finish on a tournament-record 25-under-par at TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota. 

His three-shot victory came despite Scheffler mounting a trademark charge with rounds of 64 and 63 over the weekend.

Koivun's victory sends him soaring to a career-high 73rd in the Official World Golf Ranking and up to 70th in the FedEx Cup standings — the final qualifying position for next month's FedEx Cup Playoffs as things stand.

The win also saw him bank his biggest pay cheque to date of $1.584m.

For Scheffler, it was another case of coming agonisingly close to a second win of the season. 

The four-time major champion recorded his fifth runner-up finish of the season, but rather than dwell on his own disappointment, he was quick to praise the composure and maturity Koivun showed under intense pressure.

"I think anytime you're trying to win for the first time, it's awfully difficult, especially for a young guy coming out of college," said 20-time PGA Tour winner Scheffler, who like Koivun, was playing in the 3M Open for the first time in his career. 

"I think that shows not only how talented of a player he is, but I think the mental strength he has as well."

Remarkably, Scheffler revealed he has never actually seen Koivun hit a golf shot in person.

The pair have yet to play together on the PGA Tour, although after Koivun's stunning victory, that meeting now feels inevitable.

"I haven't spoken to Jackson yet. I haven't had a chance to see him hit a shot yet," said Scheffler.

"Obviously, I've heard about his pedigree in college, but I haven't been able to see it in person yet. I'm looking forward to that."

Koivun joins elite company... and beats some of the game's biggest names

Koivun's achievement becomes even more impressive when you consider this was only his 13th PGA Tour start overall. 

Although it was just his third event as a professional, he had previously made 10 PGA Tour starts while still an amateur.

Winning that quickly places him ahead of some of the biggest stars in the sport when it comes to securing a first PGA Tour title.

While every player's journey is different, Koivun's rapid rise underlines just how special a talent the American appears to be.

He now finds himself ahead of some of the biggest names of the modern era in one notable statistical category, having reached the winner's circle faster than the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and even Scheffler himself.

Koivun won't have long to celebrate.

The American is straight back into action at this week's Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club, where another strong performance could further cement his place inside the top 70 of the FedEx Cup standings and secure his spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

If his performance at TPC Twin Cities is anything to go by, plenty more eyes — including Scheffler's — will be watching closely.