After cementing the first victory of his burgeoning career, however, Koivun chose that same lake as the location for a unique post-win celebration: some sunset fishing.
Jackson Koivun conquers 18th-hole jitters to win 3M Open
While Koivun put on a clinic at TPC Twin Cities all week long, he didn’t make his hay at the par-5 closing hole.
In the opening round, the 21-year-old nearly hit his drive at 18 into the pond that runs along the right side of the hole. From a bad lie in the right rough at the edge of the water, he could only manage to save par.
On Friday, Koivun’s tee shot at 18 did find the pond, resulting in a penalty stroke and a bogey-6.
Though he shook off those memories and hit the 18th fairway on Saturday, leading to a closing eagle that gave him a big 54-hole lead, his experience the first two days had him worried on Sunday when he arrived at the 18th with the tournament on the line.
“I hadn’t particularly played 18 well except for yesterday, hadn’t hit the best drives. I didn’t really hit the best drive today, but it worked out. I think once I got over that drive on 18 and got it down there in the fairway, we definitely felt a little less pressure,” Koivun said in his press conference Sunday evening.
Though he got through the 18th tee shot unscathed, Koivun clarified that it was only after his final putt had dropped that the emotions came “crashing down” on him.
“Yeah, 18 I had quite a few nerves and just kind of got it down there. Then I knew where I stood and what I had to do to secure the win. But it never really feels like you’re going to win until you make the putt and that’s kind of when all the emotions come crashing down on you,” Koivun explained Sunday. “I think I did a really good job this week of staying level headed, but I felt like that was an appropriate time to show some emotions.”
Koivun fishes 18th-hole pond after 3M Open win
One of Koivun’s first acts after securing his win was giving a hug to his dad, who was in attendance, while his mom was stuck in North Carolina.
“I’ve got so much thanks for my parents for everything they’ve done for me over these 21 years. I really wish my mom could be here today, but she’s still back in North Carolina and I’m sure I’ll see her soon. I think she’s coming next week. Having my dad there and giving him a hug at the end of the day was probably the best feeling,” Koivun said.
But soon enough Koivun’s got mom involved in the celebration, sharing a video call with her shortly thereafter.
“She was crying,” Koivun said, describing his call with his mom. “I was trying to make out a little bit of what she said, but she kept saying how proud she was. Those two are just, they’re my rocks.”
At the end of his Sunday press conference, a reporter asked Koivun how he planned to celebrate, to which he responded, “Not quite sure yet, but I’m sure we’ll find something to do.”
And find something to do he did. Shortly after his presser ended, Koivun was handed a fishing rod, and he headed over to the pond on the 18th hole that he’d battled all week.
Cameras were there to catch him making a cast into the pond as the moon rose over TPC Twin Cities’ closing hole and reflected on the surface of the pond, which you can watch here or below. Other reports contend there are “No Fishing” signs scattered across the Minnesota course, so there must be a special exception for 3M Open winners.
For the bass anglers out there, it appears Koivun was throwing a chatterbait without a trailer, but his lure of choice remains unconfirmed.
