Jackson Koivun is back in action on the PGA Tour just days after playing a key role in the United States’ Presidents Cup comeback victory.
The 21-year-old American is competing in the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, where he is making his first appearance in the tournament. Koivun arrives after earning 2½ points for Team USA during the Presidents Cup.
Koivun partnered with Justin Thomas in the team competition and helped the Americans fight back during the event. In Sunday’s singles match, he recovered from being two holes down to South Korea’s Si Woo Kim after 10 holes before eventually winning by two holes.
He secured the victory with an important eight-foot putt on the 18th hole, contributing to the United States’ overall comeback.
The Presidents Cup success came after a strong start to Koivun’s professional career. The Auburn University product won his first PGA Tour title at the 3M Open, just three starts into his professional career.
His rapid rise has made him one of the young players attracting attention on the PGA Tour. His appearance in Utah also gives him an opportunity to build on the confidence gained from competing against some of the leading international players at the Presidents Cup.
However, Koivun admitted that he was feeling the effects of the demanding team event.
“I’m definitely a little tired but excited to come out here and compete,” he said before the tournament.
The Bank of Utah Championship features a field that includes several experienced international players. Among those competing are Nick Taylor of Canada and Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa.
The tournament is being played at Black Desert Resort, a challenging course that Koivun described as both beautiful and demanding. He identified his iron play as an important part of his approach for the event.
Koivun’s decision to compete immediately after the Presidents Cup highlights the busy nature of the PGA Tour schedule. Rather than taking a break following the team competition, he has returned to individual competition and is looking to maintain his momentum.
Meanwhile, other major golf tours are also in action this week. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is taking place in Scotland, while the LPGA Tour’s LOTTE Championship is being played in Hawaii. The LPGA reported that A Lim Kim opened the event with a seven-under-par 65 to take the early lead.
For Koivun, the immediate challenge is to manage the transition from team golf back to individual competition. After the excitement and pressure of the Presidents Cup, he now has to concentrate on four rounds at Black Desert Resort.
His strong start to professional life means there will be considerable interest in how he performs in Utah.
