Auburn University golfer Jackson Koivun has achieved a significant milestone, qualifying for the U.S. Open after a stellar performance at final qualifying. On what is frequently enough referred to as Golf’s Longest Day, Koivun navigated a challenging field at the Piedmont Driving Club in Georgia, which included notable figures such as former Masters champion Zach Johnson and fellow Auburn alumnus and PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner.

Qualifying Performance: A Birdie-Eagle Start

Koivun’s journey to the U.S. Open was marked by resilience and remarkable play. After an initial round of 3-under, which included late bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes, Koivun needed a strong second round to secure his spot.He delivered precisely that, igniting his round with a remarkable birdie-eagle start. He went on to card a bogey-free 8-under 64, propelling him to 11-under for the qualifying event.

While the top two finishers reached 18-under, Koivun found himself in a three-way tie at 11-under, ultimately claiming one of the final three coveted spots for the U.S.Open.

Focus Shifts to Oakmont

With the college golf season concluded after Auburn’s runner-up finish in stroke play at the NCAA Championship and subsequent loss to Virginia in the Elite Eight of match play, Koivun can now fully concentrate on his first major championship appearance. the U.S. Open is scheduled to commence next Thursday, June 12th, at the renowned Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.

Teammates in the Field

Koivun was not the only Auburn representative vying for a spot in the U.S. Open. Teammates Carson Bacha,a recent graduate transitioning to professional golf,and rising junior Josiah Gilbert also participated in the qualifying event. Bacha posted an impressive 8-under, while Gilbert finished at 6-under.Jason Dufner concluded his two rounds at 1-under.

PGA Tour Card Deferred

the past few weeks have been transformative for Koivun. He recently secured his 20th PGA Tour University Accelerated point at the NCAA Championship, earning him a PGA Tour card. However, Koivun has decided to defer this prospect and return to Auburn for his junior season.

He’s coming back. He’s coming back to school, academics are an important part of his life and it’s important to his parents. He’s 19, he’s still growing on and off the golf course. He’s growing physically, he’s growing emotionally, he’s growing mentally and maturity-wise. There’s still stuff that he wants to learn. He knows the lifestyle out there is not all glitz and glamor traveling so much and playing. He wants to make sure that his game and he’s more so ready for that lifestyle as much as his golf game is ready for it too.
— Auburn Coach Clinard

Coach Clinard emphasized the importance of continued growth, both on and off the course, for the young golfer. He also highlighted the positive impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in allowing student-athletes to pursue their education while earning income from their sport.

I think that’s the good thing about the climate we’re in right now. We here so much negative about NIL, but there’s also so much good about it. So young men like Jackson can stay in school, get his education and still make money and get paid to play the game that he loves. I think that’s pretty cool. He can defer until after his senior year if he chooses to do that. I think we’ll take it one year at a time and obviously we’d love to have him for two years,but my goal is when he’s ready I’ll let him know that he’s ready. Because I think obviously the best interest for him, but we want him to be able to go out there and win out there. Not just go out there and make cuts.
— Auburn Coach Clinard

A Freshman Sensation

Koivun’s freshman season was nothing short of spectacular. He swept the national awards, claiming the Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Fred Haskins awards. He was also named the SEC Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and SEC individual champion. He continued his dominance this spring, becoming the first golfer sence 1976 to win back-to-back SEC individual championships. He was once again recognized as the SEC Player of the Year in 2025.

Experience at the Highest level

While Koivun has earned his PGA Tour card, he already possesses experience competing at the highest level through various invites and exemptions. Last year, after winning the national championship, he received an invitation to the Memorial Tournament, where he made the cut and finished 52nd. He also participated in the Rocket Mortgage Classic last summer but missed the cut. This year, he played in the Farmers Insurance Open, finishing T56, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he made the cut and finished T48.

Looking Ahead to Oakmont

Now, Koivun will test his skills at a major championship, facing the formidable challenge of oakmont Country Club. His performance will be closely watched as he continues to develop his game and gain valuable experience on the biggest stage.