Jackson Koivun Shoots 61 to Take Three-Stroke Lead at 3M Open

New PGA Tour member Jackson Koivun fired a stellar 10-under 61 during the third round of the 3M Open on Saturday, capturing a three-stroke lead at 20-under par at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, according to the Washington Post. The 21-year-old rookie set a tournament record by shooting a 28 on the back nine, fueled by two eagles and six birdies during a steamy, still afternoon ideal for low scoring.

Jackson Koivun Sets Back-Nine Record and Grabs Three-Stroke Lead

Koivun sank a 12-foot putt on the 12th green and a 14-footer on the 18th to eagle two of the three par-5s on the lake-filled course. He also tied the 54-hole record of 193 previously established by wire-to-wire 2023 champion Lee Hodges, while becoming the youngest 54-hole leader on the tour this season. Earlier in the tournament, Koivun carded a 64 on Thursday and a 68 on Friday.

Chasing Pack and Contenders at TPC Twin Cities

Emiliano Grillo and Ben Kohles both shot third-round 65s to sit tied for second place at 17-under par, three strokes behind the leader, according to ESPN. Michael Brennan recorded a 63 to share fourth place at 16-under par alongside Chandler Phillips, who shot a 5-under 55.

3M Open 2026 - Round Three — Photo: Golf Channel

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler climbed into a tie for ninth place at 14-under par following a 7-under 64 on Moving Day, which featured an eagle and five birdies on the back nine, including a 55-footer on the par-4 16th hole. Meanwhile, Michael Kim—who carded a historic 59 on Friday to become the 15th player in tour history to break 60—struggled with his putter on Saturday, shooting a 1-under 70 to drop into a tie for sixth place at 15-under par alongside Denny McCarthy and Billy Horschel.

Amateur Pedigree and Sunday Strategy

Koivun turned professional last month following the U.S. Open Championship after putting together a standout college career at Auburn, where he helped lead the Tigers to their second national title in three years. He also made history as the first player to win all three collegiate player of the year awards—the Haskins, the Hogan, and the Nicklaus—more than once, before finishing tied for 23rd at the U.S. Open as the top-ranked amateur in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Young gun Jackson Koivun poised for Sunday showdown vs. Scottie Scheffler at 3M Open - PGA TOUR — Photo: PGA Tour

2026 3M Open Round 3 Recap & Highlights: Jackson Koivun (-20) takes solo lead, Scheffler tied at 9th

Heading into Sunday’s final round with his first-career 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour, Koivun expressed confidence rooted in his collegiate background. Playing at Auburn was so much fun. We were definitely put in some stressful situations at National Championships and just collegiate play. Just trying to lean on those experiences to try to go out there and execute tomorrow, Koivun said, according to PGA Tour coverage.

With a dozen golfers sitting within six strokes of the lead, the 21-year-old plans to rely on a straightforward approach to secure his maiden tour victory. I’m feeling great. Excited, ready for tomorrow. It's going to be definitely a test tomorrow, Koivun said. We've got a lot of great players behind me, but just going to stick to my game plan and try to smile.