A 19-year-old college golf star could earn his PGA Tour card this week in what would be a remarkable achievement for the amateur ranks.
Jackson Koivun, currently the world’s No. 2 ranked amateur, needs a top-10 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to join the pro ranks – just days after his rival Luke Clanton secured his own Tour card.
It’s a chance that would’ve seemed impossible for college players just a few years ago.
Koivun, who plays for Auburn University, has already done something no freshman has ever managed – winning college golf’s triple crown of the Nicklaus, Hogan, and Haskins awards in the same year.
“It’s hard not to think about it,” Koivun admitted before Thursday’s opening round. “I’m just trying to put that in the back of my mind and play like I know I can.”
The teenager from San Jose has already proven he can hang with the pros. He’s made the cut in two PGA Tour events over the last year, including the prestigious Memorial Tournament.
Here’s what he needs to do this week: First, make the cut. Then finish in the top 10. Do that, and he’ll have enough points through the PGA Tour U Accelerated program to turn pro immediately.
He’s following in fresh footsteps. Just last week, Florida State’s Luke Clanton earned his Tour card by finishing tied for 18th at the Cognizant Classic.
“I know Luke very well,” Koivun said. “He works his tail off… It’s great for him to get that card, and I’m happy for him.”
Even if he doesn’t pull it off this week, Koivun has other paths to the Tour. He’s likely to represent the U.S. in both the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup – each appearance earning him more points toward his card.
But why wait? The young star tees off Thursday at 10:50am ET alongside Isaiah Salinda, looking to write his own piece of golf history.
