Staff WriterBy the time Jackson Koivun strolls up Magnolia Lane, chances are you’ll have already heard his name a dozen times—and not just because he’s the latest recipient of the Mark H McCormack Medal, the top honour in the World Amateur Golf Ranking®.
At just 20, the Californian-turned-Carolinian has done everything short of walking on water—and some say that’s only because he hasn’t tried it yet.
Winning the Mark H McCormack Medal is no small feat. It’s reserved for the world’s top male amateur each year, and it comes with golden tickets to the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills and The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Not bad for a lad who just finished his sophomore year and still gets carded for energy drinks.
“It’s a huge honour to win this award. I’m very grateful to everyone who has helped me and it’s a dream come true. It’s a medal every amateur golfer strives for,” said Koivun, cool as you like.
“It’s in the back of everyone’s head and you just try and fight and keep playing well. To be able to say I’m a McCormack Medal winner is just really, really cool.”
Koivun, who calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina home these days, has bulldozed his way through the amateur ranks like a souped-up lawnmower. His freshman year at Auburn in 2024 wasn’t just impressive—it was downright historic.
He became the first player to sweep all four major collegiate awards in a single season (the Jack Nicklaus, Fred Haskins, Ben Hogan and Phil Mickelson Awards), won the SEC Championship, and helped Auburn win their first-ever NCAA title with a flawless 3-0 record in match play. The only thing missing was a parade float.
This year, he’s doubled down—claiming the SEC Men’s Golf Championship Stroke Play title and the NCAA Auburn Regional, while finishing runner-up at the Mason Rudolph Championship.
He also held his own in his professional cameos on the PGA TOUR, finishing inside the top 12 at the John Deere Classic, ISCO Championship and Wyndham Championship. If that’s not a calling card to the big leagues, nothing is.
Named to the USA squad for next month’s 50th Walker Cup at Cypress Point, Koivun is also a standout member of the USGA’s Elite Amateur Programme—a launching pad for young talent, not unlike NASA, only with fewer flame-retardant suits.
“I’m super excited for the Walker Cup at Cypress Point. 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. I’m looking forward to going and competing,” Koivun said.
And the golf world is watching.
“Jackson has shown that he is a force in the amateur game and we’re proud to see him accept this honour and reap the benefits of all that comes with it,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer, John Bodenhamer.
“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, echoed the sentiment: “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 of this year’s medal. We look forward to watching his career progress in the years ahead.”
The Mark H McCormack Medal, co-awarded by the USGA and The R&A, is named after the late sports marketing visionary who founded IMG and championed amateur golf when it was still wearing braces. It’s become a symbol of promise, potential and—more often than not—pro-level inevitability.
For Koivun, it’s the latest step on a fast-moving path toward golfing greatness. He’s already done more by 20 than most will by 40. But from the looks of it, he’s just getting started.
And if you’re betting on who might be standing tall at Shinnecock or Birkdale next summer, you could do worse than the kid who just pocketed the McCormack Medal with a grin and a grip that says: “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
