Jackson Koivun won his maiden PGA Tour title in only his 13th start on Sunday at the 3M Open.
Koivun is clearly already very comfortable playing on the PGA Tour and looks set to go on and enjoy a Hall of Fame career.
The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting talents to emerge on the professional scene in recent years.
Justin Thomas is someone who burst onto the PGA Tour with similar fanfare surrounding him, and has gone on to win 16 tournaments, including two major championships.
Koivun recently said being compared to Justin Thomas was an honour.
“I would definitely say I’m a good putter, that would be one of my strengths. I loved practicing putting, I hate missing putts. It’s something I always try to perfect and it’s very hard to do.
“I’d say I’m pretty strong off the tee. Distance-wise, there are a lot of guys who are further than me, but I would say I’m pretty smart off the tee and I hit it fairly straight.
“My iron play is fine but it can always get better and I can always get better at short game. That’s another thing that guys do out there so well, their chipping is unreal, and that’s definitely something I can improve on
“If you want to compare me to JT, I’ll take that in a heartbeat.“
What Justin Thomas said about Jackson Koivun before his maiden PGA Tour win
Thomas has always known that Koivun had what it takes to win on the PGA Tour.
When speaking ahead of the RBC Heritage back in April, Thomas was asked to share his thoughts on Koivun as a golfer.
“I haven’t played a lot of golf with Jackson, but I’ve played enough — I think we’ve played maybe two practice rounds at Oakmont last year, and I just remember leaving those practice rounds like, this kid is really good.“ Thomas said.
“He’s played unbelievably. To continue that high level of play in college, I think it would be very easy to get complacent and kind of get bored, but he’s not doing that clearly, but also whenever he gets into professional events he’s playing really well, too.
“I think it’s just a matter of him for him. Even though he is an Auburn dude, I’m happy for him.“
That was quite the praise from Thomas, and the two-time major champion has been proven right in his prediction that Koivun’s first win was only a matter of time.
Ben Griffin and Russell Henley praised Jackson Koivun to the hilt
Ben Griffin spoke about Koivun’s talent after playing alongside him in the final group at the Procore Championship back in September.
“He handled himself like anyone that’s been on TOUR for several years who has TOUR wins, I’d say,” Griffin said.
“He’s one of the most confident golfers in the world, whether it’s amateur or professional, and one of the most talented.
Russell Henley, who frequently plays practice rounds with Koivun, highlighted just how good the 21-year-old really is.
“I don’t think he has a lot to learn. That kid is good,” Henley said.
“I always tell him, ‘Just let me know when you turn pro so I can retire.’”
Jackson Koivun is clearly a superstar in the making.
However, how he handles all of the attention and the pressure that comes with it will play a huge factor in his chances of achieving legendary status on the PGA Tour.
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