For Youth on Course alum Jackson Koivun, a dream years in the making became reality Sunday.
At just 21 years old, Jackson captured his first PGA TOUR victory at the 3M Open, earning the title in only his third professional appearance. The milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of golf’s brightest young stars and a moment Youth on Course is proud to celebrate.
Photo Credit: David Berding/Getty Images
Before he became a PGA TOUR champion, Jackson was a young golfer from San Jose, California, building his game through opportunities to play, compete, and grow.
As a Youth on Course member, Jackson played more than 300 rounds, taking advantage of affordable access to courses that helped shape his journey. One of those courses was Santa Teresa Golf Club, a longtime Youth on Course course partner where Jackson spent time developing his game as a junior golfer. According to Director of Golf Terry Sullivan, Jackson first arrived at the course with his father, George, when he was just 3 or 4 years old. After joining Little Linkster classes and beginning lessons with PGA Head Golf Professional John Snopkowski, Jackson was introduced to Youth on Course and quickly became a familiar face around the facility.
Pictured: Jackson Koivun and Terry Sullivan
Photo Credit: Terry Sullivan
Sullivan recalls Jackson's maturity and focus from an early age.
"There are so many memories through Jackson's time at STGC, but the strongest are his unwavering will to work to be the best he could be. He has always been completely self-motivated."
Whether it was arriving at the course before school to prepare for tournaments or heading back to practice after finishing homework, Jackson's dedication stood out. While he became one of Northern California's most successful junior golfers, he was constantly learning from older players at Santa Teresa and pushing himself to improve.
That determination led to impressive accomplishments at a young age. Jackson won the highly competitive Santa Teresa Junior Golf Club Youth on Course Player of the Year championship at just 9 years old and later tied the Santa Teresa Short Course record with a 9-hole score of 20 (-7) when he was only 12.
When Jackson's final putt dropped at the 3M Open, the moment resonated far beyond the tournament itself. At Santa Teresa Golf Club, current Youth on Course members, parents, and customers gathered to watch and cheer him on, inspired by a former junior golfer who once walked the same fairways and dreamed the same dreams.
Reflecting on the moment, Sullivan shared:
"I have to admit that I got pretty choked up watching the event Sunday on the PGA TOUR, but even better was seeing our course restaurant full of current STJGC Youth on Course members, parents and Santa Teresa Golf Club customers who were cheering him on and being inspired when the final putt fell for his first PGA TOUR win. Hearing him speak on camera after winning, with such humility and respect for the game was my payoff!"
Pictured: Youth on Course alum Kiara Romero (left) and Jackson Koivun (right)
Photo Credit: Terry Sullivan
Jackson’s Youth on Course membership continued to support his journey as he took his membership with him when he moved away from California and moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina when he was 17 years old.
Jackson’s journey continued at Auburn University, where he quickly established himself as one of the most accomplished collegiate golfers in the country.
During his time as an Auburn Tiger, Jackson earned numerous accolades and helped elevate the program on the national stage. He became one of the most decorated players in college golf history, earning prestigious honors including multiple national player of the year awards and helping Auburn capture two NCAA team championships.
Pictured: Jackson Koivun (right)
Photo Credit: Tanner Pearson/Getty Images
His success at Auburn showcased his talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game, qualities that would soon propel him to the professional level.
Jackson’s journey from college standout to PGA TOUR champion happened quickly.
After turning professional in June 2026 following an incredible collegiate career at Auburn, Jackson wasted no time making his mark among the world’s best. Just 24 days after entering the professional ranks, Jackson captured his first PGA TOUR victory at the 3M Open in only his third professional appearance, a milestone that marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
Photo Credit: Andrew Wevers/Getty Images
From his early days playing junior golf in San Jose to competing on golf’s biggest stage, Jackson’s journey represents the impact of access.
Youth on Course is proud to have been part of Jackson’s story from the beginning. As the first Youth on Course alum to earn a PGA TOUR victory, Jackson’s achievement represents a historic milestone for our community and the impact of creating access and opportunity for young golfers. We look forward to cheering him on as he continues to make his mark in professional golf.