Jackson Koivun made his debut as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic on Thursday.
Koivun was paired alongside Jordan Spieth and Ben Griffin for the first round at the John Deere Classic, and he will also be accompanied by them for the second round on Friday.
The highly-rated 21-year-old made a fairly underwhelming start at TPC Deere Run with a round of two-over par 73.
Great things are expected of Jackson Koivun, and he has already shown glimpses of his exceptional talent during the tournaments he has played on the PGA Tour as an amateur.
However, the Auburn University student showed us all today that his transition into the professional game will not be as seamless as some fans think.
Koivun was handed a dream threesome as he was paired alongside Spieth and Griffin, and he spoke about that grouping after his opening round at the John Deere Classic.
How Jordan Spieth and Ben Griffin treated Jackson Koivun at the John Deere
Koivun spoke to the media after he posted a 73 on day one in Silvis, Illinois.
He admitted that he found it tough going at TPC Deere Run.
“Yeah, it was definitely a little tough to start,“ he said.
“Never really got too settled into the round. Golf swing was a little off, but just kind of looking forward to tomorrow and go out there and put out a good score.“
The 21-year-old was asked by one reporter whether there was an intimidation factor associated with playing with Spieth and Griffin.
And Koivun’s response proves that he feels totally comfortable playing with some of the best golfers in the world.
“Not really. They’re both great guys,“ he said.
“I know Ben and Jordan a little bit. We had a good time out there. I was able to chat and kind of enjoy being in Moline. I wouldn’t say I was too intimidated.
“I’ve played with both of them before. They’re great guys, and just happy to be a part of that group, yeah.“
Jackson Koivun’s stats from day one of the John Deere Classic
Koivun’s superpower is his incredible putting, but the flat-stick really let him down on Thursday at TPC Deere Run.
He was ranked 100th in strokes gained putting, having lost 2.8 strokes to the field on the greens.
Koivun was ranked 23rd in strokes gained off the tee and 90th in strokes gained approach.
The 21-year-old chipped and pitched the ball well and was ranked 20th in strokes gained around the green.
Overall, he was ranked 93rd in strokes gained total.
Those numbers prove just how much Koivun struggled on day one at the John Deere Classic, and he will have to vastly improve in almost every single category on Friday if he is to make the cut this week.
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