2025 Season: College Wins and Pro Success

This year, Koivun added victories at the SEC Men’s Golf Championship Stroke Play and the NCAA Auburn Regional, and finished runner-up at the Mason Rudolph Championship. His amateur success has translated into professional opportunities, including a major championship debut at the 2025 U.S. Open, followed by three impressive PGA TOUR finishes inside the top 12 at the John Deere Classic, ISCO Championship, and Wyndham Championship.

Earlier this summer, Koivun was named to the U.S. Walker Cup team for next month’s 50th edition at Cypress Point, near his California birthplace. He is also part of the inaugural Elite Amateur Programme, a USGA initiative designed to help top amateurs transition toward the professional game.

“I’m super excited for the Walker Cup at Cypress Point,” Koivun said. “I grew up about an hour away from there. I’ve played there a couple of times and it’s an unbelievable course. To be named a Walker Cup player is something I will never forget and is truly special.”

Praise from the USGA and R&A

“Jackson has shown that he is a force in the amateur game and we’re proud to see him accept this honour,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA Chief Championships Officer. “All of us at the USGA look forward to watching him compete at Cypress Point in a few weeks and know he’ll be a presence in our championships for years to come.”

Professor Steve Otto, Chief Technology Officer at The R&A, added: “Jackson has enjoyed an outstanding year and we congratulate him on winning this prestigious award. In leading amateur championships and professional events, he has demonstrated exceptional skills and is a thoroughly deserving recipient.”

About the McCormack Medal

The McCormack Medal is awarded annually by the USGA and The R&A to the world’s leading male and female amateurs. Named after Mark H. McCormack, the founder of IMG and a major supporter of amateur golf, the award has become a coveted milestone for the game’s rising stars.

The World Amateur Golf Ranking®, supported by Rolex, launched its men’s ranking in 2007 and women’s in 2011. Today, the men’s system tracks over 4,317 events and 4,860 players from 118 countries, while the women’s ranking includes nearly 3,000 events and more than 3,300 players from 85 nations.