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Jackson Koivun Wins 3M Open, Takes Home $1.584 Million Prize

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2026 3M Open Prize Money: $8.8 Million Purse Up for Grabs as Jackson Koivun Leads Final Round

Jackson Koivun Captures First PGA Tour Victory at 3M Open

Jackson Koivun, the 21-year-old former Auburn star, clinched his first PGA Tour title at the 2026 3M Open on Sunday, finishing at 25-under par to secure a three-shot victory over World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. The win, which came in just his third professional start, earned Koivun a $1.584 million check from the tournament's $8.8 million purse.

Koivun entered the final round with a three-shot lead after posting a blistering 10-under 61 on Saturday, which included a tournament-record 28 on the back nine. He closed with a bogey-free 5-under 66 on Sunday at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, holding off a charging Scheffler, who shot an 8-under 63 to briefly apply pressure. Koivun's total of 25-under par was the lowest winning score in tournament history.

"It's so nice to be back," Koivun said after the round, per Golf.com. The victory pushed his career earnings past $1 million just 24 days after turning pro following the U.S. Open.

Full Payout Breakdown for the 2026 3M Open

The 3M Open purse of $8.8 million was distributed among the field, with the winner receiving 18% of the total. Below is the complete payout structure for the top finishers:

Players finishing outside the top 65 earned between $19,800 and $18,744, ensuring everyone who made the cut took home a minimum five-figure sum. The full payout list shows incremental decreases down to the 65th-place check of $18,920.

Koivun's Rapid Rise: From College Star to PGA Tour Winner

Koivun turned professional just weeks ago after a stellar college career at Auburn, where he won two national titles and swept all major collegiate awards in the 2025-26 season. He made his pro debut at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, finishing tied for 23rd, then posted a T10 at the ISCO Championship. His 3M Open victory marks the fastest win by a rookie since the event's inception in 2019.

The young pro's performance drew comparisons to other recent breakout stars, with analysts noting his composure under pressure. Koivun held off a final-round charge from Scheffler, who birdied four of his last six holes but could not catch Koivun's relentless pace. The win earned Koivun a two-year PGA Tour exemption and an invitation to next year's Masters.

Why This Win Matters for the PGA Tour Landscape

Koivun's victory underscores a growing trend of young talent dominating the PGA Tour, echoing the rise of players like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm in recent years. At 21, Koivun becomes one of the youngest winners on tour this season, adding depth to a rookie class that has already produced multiple winners.

For context, Koivun's $1.584 million prize is the standard winner's share for a non-designated event, but his rapid ascent raises questions about the tour's competitive balance. With Scheffler finishing second despite a strong Sunday, the result highlights the margin for error shrinking even for top-ranked players. The 3M Open, often overshadowed by major championships, still commands a significant purse that attracts elite fields.

The victory also has financial implications for Koivun's career. Combined with his earlier earnings, he has already surpassed $2 million in prize money, a milestone that typically takes players years to achieve. His ability to perform on a course that yielded low scores—the 3M Open saw multiple rounds in the 60s—suggests he is well-suited for modern, birdie-friendly layouts.

Broader Trends: Golf's New Generation and Prize Money Growth

The 3M Open's $8.8 million purse is part of a broader trend in professional golf, where prize money has escalated dramatically over the past decade. In 2016, the event's purse was just $6.4 million; by 2026, it has risen by nearly 40%. This growth reflects increased sponsorship revenue and the PGA Tour's efforts to retain top talent amid competition from LIV Golf.

Koivun's win also mirrors the success of other young athletes in recent tournaments. For instance, Jaime Faria surged into the Estoril Open spotlight after a strong clay season, showing that emerging players are making waves across multiple sports. Similarly, Krejčíková captured the Athens Open title, ending Sakkari's home dream, underscoring the global shift toward younger champions.

The 3M Open's ability to deliver a compelling storyline—a rookie beating the world No. 1—reinforces its place on the PGA Tour calendar. As Koivun's career unfolds, his win in Minnesota will be remembered as the moment a new star announced his arrival.

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