College golf isn’t just producing talent anymore—it’s building champions. And Jackson Koivun? He’s the latest prodigy to go from campus king to card-carrying PGA Tour member.
Koivun Secures PGA Tour Card With NCAA Performance
The Auburn University sophomore locked in his PGA Tour card by finishing tied for fourth in stroke play at the NCAA individual championship. That finish pushed him past the 20-point threshold required in the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program—a fast-track pipeline built to recognize and reward the best of the best in college golf.
The achievement puts Koivun in rare air. He’s now the third player to secure a Tour card through the accelerated program, joining Vanderbilt’s Gordon Sargent and Florida State’s Luke Clanton, both of whom are set to make their pro debuts at next week’s RBC Canadian Open.
An Award Shelf That’s Already Full
If you’re wondering whether Koivun’s hype is real—just glance at his trophy haul. Last season, as a freshman, he made college golf history by sweeping its top four awards: the Haskins Award, Jack Nicklaus Award, Ben Hogan Award, and Phil Mickelson Award. It was a clean sweep that instantly placed him among the all-time collegiate greats.
Staying Grounded: Koivun Returns to Auburn
Despite earning PGA Tour status, Koivun isn’t packing his bags for the Tour just yet. He’s heading back to Auburn for his junior year, electing to hold off on joining the pro ranks until he feels the time is right.
“It feels good to go out and earn it by playing some golf, and what better place to do it than when you’re surrounded by all your friends and teammates at the national championship,” Koivun said. “I love Auburn, and I think college golf is in such a good spot right now.”
That decision reflects a growing trend among elite amateurs—valuing the structure and competition of collegiate golf as a serious step in Tour preparation rather than a mere stepping stone.
PGA Tour University Expands Its Impact
Koivun’s rise also highlights the growing influence of the PGA Tour University programs. While Koivun and a few others earned their cards through the accelerated track, the regular PGA Tour U path remains just as significant.
University of North Carolina senior David Ford topped the 2025 PGA Tour U rankings, earning direct PGA Tour status. Meanwhile, players finishing 2 through 10 in the final standings will head to the Korn Ferry Tour, and those ranked 11 through 25 will tee it up on PGA Tour Americas.
