It is not Scottie Scheffler nor Xander Schauffele, nor Rory McIlroy, but Jackson Koivun has rightfully earned his place as one of the main highlights of the week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is a 19-year-old golfer, World Number 2 amateur and player from Auburn University. He is at Bay Hill this week thanks to a very special invitation, as it was the result of a vote among all those who played last year’s Palmer Cup, although his real prominence is due to the fact that he could achieve something absolutely extraordinary.
Koivun is one top 10 finish away from securing a PGA Tour card. Yes, right now. He could have it by next Sunday. Well, we agree, finishing in the top ten on Sunday is not exactly easy, but at least he has the opportunity. Just for that, it is extraordinary. The fact is that this young golfer born in San Jose, California, has already accumulated 18 points in the PGA Tour Accelerated ranking in just a year and a half at university, and 20 are needed to obtain the card. One point is awarded for making the cut and another for finishing in the top ten in a PGA Tour tournament. There he would have the two points he needs. He would be the second consecutive to achieve it after Luke Clanton did so four days ago at the Cognizant Classic. Simply amazing.
Koivun already has 18 points because he won everything in his first year at university, and we are not just referring to many victories, which he also did (he finished second in the NCAA Nationals and led Auburn to their first team title in history), but to the recognitions:
| SEC Freshman of the Year | |
|---|---|
| SEC Player of the Year | |
| Ben Hogan Award | |
| Haskins Award | |
| Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award | |
| Jack Nicklaus Award |
He has become the first golfer in history to be awarded the Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Haskins, and Phil Mickelson awards in the same year. Overwhelming.
Koivun is moving at breakneck speed, although he is not in a hurry. In fact, even if he were to secure the card this weekend, he has assured that he would not join the PGA Tour at least until next year. “There are always things that can be improved, although from a golfing point of view I feel quite ready to compete against anyone, but it will be good for me to spend more time at university from the perspective of maturing and preparing for professional life,” he states.
As for his idols, Koivun has good taste. “It’s impossible not to talk about Tiger Woods. I’ve always idolised his winning mentality. He always played with the intention of winning, and I think that’s important. Obviously, I also have to mention Arnold Palmer and his legacy, everything he did,” he added to be politically correct. He knows where he is.
However, on the course, he doesn’t want to identify as much with Tiger Woods as with Scottie Scheffler. “My goal and what I work for is to always stay very stable, not too euphoric when things go well, nor get down if they go wrong. Balance would be the word. Sometimes I get a little fired up on the course, and that’s what I’m trying to improve.”
In any case, he has a clear recipe for this week. “I want to put aside the PGA Tour card. It’s obvious that it’s there, but I have plenty of time ahead to achieve it if it can’t be this week. The important thing is to enjoy the experience and play as I know I can.”
