Auburn sophomore golfer Jackson Koivre followed this week. The second Rhinesek Golfer of the Year at the US Open in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, was held early Thursday morning in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and became the first Auburn Tiger to take part in the most difficult major on the PGA Tour since Jason Dufner eight years ago.
Koivun, who cuts at all three PGA tournament events he performed this year, is one of 15 amateur golfers on the field this weekend. He finished in tie after Thursday’s first round in third place (+2) of all 15 people on the field.
The 20-year-old was aggressive throughout the late night and early afternoon on Thursdays. Koivun’s scorecard did not feature pars until the sixth hole of the day as the decorated Tiger began the round with a bogey at Hall No. 10.
He settled from there and even played golf by making pars on the final four holes in the back nine. Unfortunately, Koivun’s first hole double bogey in the front nine holes suppressed the young Tiger’s grand first half performance. The wild bunker shot stopped him, leading to just one birdie and +2 finish of the day on Koivun’s final 13-hole play.
After the first 18 holes of action, only one golfer is on the field, and Koyvon’s round one finish is not only very respectable, but could also tee off with PGA Tour veterans like Ludvig Aberg, Xander Schauffele and Keegan Bradley.
If Koivun is able to replicate or improve his first day’s scorecard, then after the first day of action at Oakmont Country Club, if the expected line is about five strokes of five strokes, it could cut four consecutive PGA tours.
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