DALLAS – A future Auburn Tiger has been bestowed one of the nation's most prestigious honors for a high school player as Auburn men's golf signee Jackson Koivun was named one of four recipients of the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award Monday.
Established in 2008, The Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Award presented by Under Armour recognizes the achievements of junior golfers around the world. The Award honors young athletes who distinguish themselves with a high level of junior tournament play as well as excellence in academics and a commitment to community service and exceptional character.
"It means so much to win this award," Koivun said. "It is an honor to have my name associated with Byron Nelson, who was not only a great golfer but an even better person. The players who have won this award in the past have gone on to do great things, so hopefully I can follow in their footsteps."
A highly sought after recruit, Koivun was tabbed the No. 1 player in the 2023 class by the Junior Golf Scorecard before putting pen to paper and signing with the Tigers last November. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina native will join the official roster this fall and begin his collegiate career during the 2023-24 season.
Recognized alongside Koivun at this year's ceremony were Preston Stout (Oklahoma State), Eric Lee (Cal-Berkely) and Carson Kim (USC).
Previous winners of the Junior Byron Nelson award include Gordon Sargent (2021), Cole Hammer (2017), Sam Burns (2015), Jordan Spieth (2010) as well as Auburn's own Michael Johnson (2011).
