The showdown at the Procore Championship was a must-watch. Ryder Cup stars went head-to-head against each other. While one amateur made waves with a stellar T4 finish. None other than Jackson Koivun, the World No. 1 amateur, strung an impressive 16-under finish, 3 strokes behind the winner. That earned him attention from LIV golfer Phil Mickelson. But Mickelson had more than words of appreciation for the amateur.

Koivun delivered a career-best performance this week. Entering the weekend for the fourth straight PGA Tour event, Koivun sat closely behind the lead, Ben Griffin, at T2. However, by the end of Sunday, Scheffler had taken over at 19-under, with Koivun finishing T4. Koivun maintained a clinching performance throughout all four rounds with 21 birdies and 2 eagles. But what was probably the most impressive was Koivun’s poise under pressure, even amid golf giants with years of experience. That made the PGA Tour University post about Koivun’s feat on X. This is what prompted Phil Mickelson.

Taking to his X, Mickelson retweeted: “This young man is an amazing talent and destined for greatness. He would also look great in a HyFlers outfit 😉.” While he acknowledged Koivun’s potential, Mickelson subtly nudged that the success might come in a different league. Yes, the captain of HyFlyers just expressed his willingness to have Koivun as a team member. With that almost cheeky sentence, Mickelson expressed that a talent like Koivun’s should be rightly placed where it can thrive. That is an accolade in itself, no matter whether Koivun gets the trophy or not.

However, in the broader context, it brings forward Mickelson’s preference for a specific mix of talents. The LIV golfer has shown a liking for experienced players with PGA Tour steel. However, Mickelson doesn’t back away from taking up-and-coming stars either. Andy Ogletree is a clear example of that, who doesn’t have the resume like others in HyFlers. But Ogletree proved himself on the International Asian Tour, catching Mickelson’s eye, adding him to the roster in 2023.

Koivun has done something similar. Not only does he bring PGA Tour experience with him, but he’s a standout in that league, too. Even though he’s still an amateur, Koivun has earned his PGA Tour card through the University-Accelerated pathway. Koivun’s performance has remained consistent throughout the season, making 6 out of 7 cuts. Moreover, he carded 3 back-to-back top-10 finishes at the ISCO Championship (T6), Wyndham Championship (T5), and now at the Procore Championship (T4). Koivun is a standout elegy to technical mastery and mental pedigree.

Taking GB&I’s highest-ranked player, Tyler Weaver, Koivun posted two wins in both of his singles matches. He ended with a margin of 3-1 against Weaver. Koivun went out first in all four sessions, highlighting captain Nathan Smith‘s trust in Koivun’s anchoring presence in the team. Team America secured a dominating win against GB&I, 8.5-1.5. “It was just an honor for me to have him on my team,” Smith said after the match. “I think in any sport, if you’re a coach or captain, when your best player is your hardest working player and sets the tone for the team, and just brings the level of professionalism.”

However, looking forward, Koivun appears to be staying amateur for a while longer.

Jackson Koivun is in no rush to turn pro

Jackson Koivun has made it clear that he will be taking his time to get on good terms with the tour before turning pro. Right after his first-round 67, Koivun talked about his game and his year forward. “There’s a lot to learn out here,” Koivun revealed on playing in the tour.  “I’m trying to do it as quickly as I can before I turn pro, whether that’s the end of this year, end of next year. Just trying to … fully understand what goes on inside the ropes.”

This remark clearly brings out his sentiment in handling his PGA Tour card. Although Koivun is eager to begin his career on the circuit, he wants to be fully prepared for the league. That involves playing more events in the tour against the pros. Koivun won’t have any problem with that, it appears. With his stellar performance at the Procore Championship, Koivun has already secured his place in the Sanderson Farms Championship in early October.

Aside from the technical aspects, Koivun understands the mental challenges, too. The difference in amateur and pro golf is more than just a circuit. “I would say college players, it’s very intimidating because they’re fighting for guys they know and they love… for their school,” Koivun shared his perspective. Bringing forward the difference, Koivun added, “On the PGA Tour, they’re fighting for a job and they’re fighting for a livelihood.” 

Koivun knows both his swing and his mindset still need sharpening before he leaps. He’s willing to give himself the time to refine both before fully embracing life on Tour.