PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Auburn men’s golf rising junior Jackson Koivun is set to represent the United States in the 50th Walker Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious amateur competitions, which is set for Sept. 6-7 at Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California.
“It is a great honor to be selected as a part of the Walker Cup,” Koivun said. “Playing for my country on a team of the best amateurs in the world is something I’ve made a goal of and looked forward to for the past few years. I’m humbled and beyond excited to get out to Cypress Point and represent Auburn and the United States of America.”
Koivun follows Lee Williams (2003, 2005 – USA) and Blayne Barber (2011 – USA) as Auburn’s Walker Cup representatives. Tigers associate head coach Chris Williams also played for the 2011 American squad alongside Barber.
The Walker Cup pits the Americans against Great Britain and Ireland. The United States leads the Walker Cup 39-9-1 all-time. The Americans have been victorious in four consecutive cups, last winning the 2023 edition 14.5-11.5 at the Old Course at St. Andrews. The format of the tournament consists of four matches of foursomes played each day, plus eight singles matches on Saturday afternoon and 10 singles matches on Sunday afternoon. Since the U.S. is the reigning champion, it can retain the Cup by earning 13 points. Team Great Britain and Ireland needs 13.5 points to win the Cup.
Joining Koivun to represent the Red, White and Blue are Ethan Fang (Oklahoma State – junior), Stewart Hagestad (USC – 2013), Mason Howell (Georgia – commit), Ben James (Virginia – senior), Michael La Sasso (Ole Miss – senior), Jacob Modleski (Notre Dame – junior), Tommy Morrison (Texas - senior), Preston Stout (Oklahoma State – junior), and Jase Summy (Oklahoma – senior). Nathan Smith, a three-time Walker Cup player and four-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, captains Team USA.
To find the full list of players on Team GB&I, click here.
In just two seasons on The Plains, Koivun has pieced together one of the most prolific resumes in program history. With five wins and 22 top-10 finishes in 26 starts, he’s undeniably one of college golf’s brightest young stars.
As a freshman, the Chapel Hill, North Carolina product became the first man in the history of the sport to capture all three national player of the year awards (Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus) and the national freshman of the year award (Mickelson) in the same season. He was voted SEC Freshman and Player of the Year as well as a First Team All-American.
In year two, he was just as dangerous, going back-to-back as the SEC’s low medalist, its first repeat winner in 49 years. He once again earned SEC Player of the Year honors and was named a finalist for each national player of the year award before capping the season with an encore performance as a First Team All-American.
Golf Channel and Peacock will cover the entirety of the 2025 Walker Cup. Both days of coverage begin at 11:30 a.m. CT on Peacock. Golf Channel carries the event from 6-9 p.m. CT each day.