Jackson Koivun Shines at Procore Championship After Walker Cup Triumph
Just a week after leading the U.S. to victory in the Walker Cup, rising golf star Jackson Koivun is turning heads again — this time at the Procore Championship.
On Friday, the 20-year-old amateur fired a 6-under 66 at Silverado, highlighted by a brilliant 3-iron to within 30 inches on the par-5 12th hole for eagle. That shot helped him close the day just three strokes off the lead heading into the weekend.
A Rising Star in Golf
Koivun, who hails from San Jose, is currently the No. 1 amateur in the world. He has already secured a PGA Tour card for when he decides to turn professional. In six PGA Tour starts this year, he has missed only one cut, with standout performances including a T-5 at the Wyndham Championship, T-6 at the ISCO Championship, and T-11 at the John Deere Classic.
While many young players would be starstruck sharing the course with Ryder Cup-bound stars, Koivun has shown he belongs. “I ran into Russell Henley on the range and told him I was going to catch him,” Koivun said with a grin. By Friday, he had done just that, sitting tied with Henley at 11-under.
Griffin in the Lead
Ben Griffin tops the leaderboard after back-to-back bogey-free rounds left him at 14-under 130. With Russell Henley and Koivun close behind, the weekend promises an exciting finish.
Learning Year for Koivun
Fresh off a 3-1 performance at the Walker Cup, Koivun admitted he is still learning the ropes of the professional game but has embraced every opportunity. “I’m trying to do it as quickly as I can before I turn pro — whether that’s this year or next,” he said.
His strong play has kept him in contention despite a slip at the 14th hole, where he drove out-of-bounds but recovered with key birdies down the stretch.
Now paired with U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun for the weekend, Koivun is eager to test himself further:
“I’m trying to become the best, and I’ve just got to keep putting myself in these situations to learn and perform.”
