Should Jackson Koivun Be Selected For The Presidents Cup?
The 21-year-old looks set to be a big star in the game after winning the 3M Open in just his third pro start...so should he play on Team USA's Presidents Cup side?
'Inside The Ropes' is the chance for Golf Monthly's expert team to share its honest thoughts on the biggest subjects in the game. This time, it's all about whether Jackson Koivun should be on the USA's Presidents Cup team.
Jackson Koivun beat Scottie Scheffler by three strokes to win his maiden PGA Tour title at the 3M Open in just his third start as a professional.
The former Auburn star turned pro following a record collegiate career, joining the paid ranks last month after picking up the low amateur honors at the US Open alongside Ryder Cowan.
Koivun is already ranked 73rd in the world and sits 30th in Data Golf's rankings, and calls are already coming in for the Californian to play on the USA's Presidents Cup team in September.
But is it too early? Or should he be selected by captain, Brandt Snedeker? Our tour experts have their say...and let us know your view in the comments section at the bottom of the article.
Personally, I'd say yes, Koivun should be in the Presidents Cup side, given that he is one of the in-form American players, having literally just won the 3M Open.
For me, it feels like a similar situation to Ludvig Aberg, who claimed victory at the Omega European Masters following a successful college career, with that win proving to be the key reason why he was selected for the Ryder Cup in 2023.
Not to put any disrespect on the Presidents Cup either, but it does feel like an appetizer to the main course of the Ryder Cup in 2027 and, let's be honest, if Koivun continues this run of form he'll be in line to appear at Adare Manor next year.
Looking down the list of those in contention for places at the Presidents Cup, 21-year-old Koivun is outplaying the majority of them, and it's not like you can make the excuse of him being a young rookie.
Cameron Young was the stand-out for Team USA at Bethpage Black in 2025 and, in my opinion, it's only right the Americans introduce some of the new blood given their lacklustre performances in the Ryder Cup.
Should Koivun be selected for the Presidents Cup? Given what I've seen of him I'd say 100% yes.
As I said on the latest episode of the Golf Monthly Tour Issue podcast, I would be giving Koivun the 12th and final spot on Team USA in the Presidents Cup. But there's a big 'if' attached to it.
He has to carry on playing really well over the next month and Koivun has to make the FedEx Cup Playoffs as a minimum.
I don't think he will, clearly, but Brandt Snedeker cannot become carried away with the exciting new shiny toy in the box and just pick the 21-year-old from a novelty perspective.
While the Presidents Cup isn't as prestigious as the Ryder Cup, it's also not a charity golf day so you still have to treat it with respect.
If he plays well, of course I'd give him the backing as he looks likely to become a major star the future. Plus, selfishly from Snedeker's point of view, he could go on to say he was the one to give Koivun his big break into world-class team golf.
It's not really a risk if Koivun carries on competing at the top level, either.
As an aside, if you look at the alternative names in contention for that 12th and final place on Team USA's roster, none of them have the star power or confidence that the recent 3M Open champion is currently carrying.
For me, the choice is pretty clear... as long Koivun's win wasn't a flash in the pan.
If the US is serious about winning the Ryder Cup in the future, Jackson Koivun should absolutely be on the Presidents Cup team.
Let's be honest here - this isn't a very serious team competition. The US have won all but two since it began in 1994 and until they truly fix the Presidents Cup by incorporating the best female players in the world, the Americans should view it as a competition to prepare ahead of the Ryder Cup.
The sky is the limit for Koivun, winning on only his third PGA start after dominating on the college scene for Auburn. What is there to gain not putting him on the team
Looking at the US standings shows there aren't exactly guys bashing down the door to get on the team - Jacob Bridgeman, Harris English et al.
Koivun has more potential than anyone fighting for those final few spots, so why not incorporate him in the hopes he qualifies for the Adare Manor team for next year?
I seem to remember the US taking a punt on Scottie Scheffler as a captains pick for the 2021 Ryder Cup - how has his career panned out?
It probably is too early to commit with a firm yes or no, but I do think Koivun has the talent to win points for USA.
He looks like he will qualify for week one of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and could even make it to the East Lake finale if he picks up another victory. He will not automatically qualify for the team, so the question is will Snedeker pick him over an experienced player?
Akshay Bhatia, Jacob Bridgeman, Harris English and Ryan Gerard are among his current competitors. Would I pick Koivun over those? I think the answer would be yes.
He is in great form and is clearly an exceptional talent.
If the thought process is to bed him in to the USA side to benefit him and the team for the future, then it would be an easy yes. If the thinking is to simply produce the best Presidents Cup side possible, then I think the answer could also be yes.
So I guess the answer from us is a firm yes, Jackson Koivun should be on the USA's Presidents Cup team.
Do you agree? Join the conversation below.