Key facts
- Jackson Koivun is competing in his second U.S. Open as the world's No. 1 amateur.
- He previously secured a PGA Tour card but opted to stay amateur for the U.S. Open exemption.
- Koivun will turn professional and make his debut at the John Deere Classic in two weeks.
- Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, is also participating in the event.
- The U.S. Open field includes 68 players who went through 36-hole qualifying, with 21 amateurs in total.
Jackson Koivun, currently the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world, is set to compete in his second consecutive U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. This appearance comes as his final tournament as an amateur before he transitions to professional play. Koivun had previously secured a PGA Tour card after his sophomore season at Auburn University through the PGA Tour University program but opted to remain an amateur to utilize his exemption for the U.S. Open. He plans to make his professional debut in two weeks at the John Deere Classic.
Koivun stated that while his game was strong enough a year ago to earn a tour card, he did not feel mentally ready for the demands of professional golf, including constant travel and the potential for missed cuts. He believes the extra year has prepared him for these challenges and for accepting the inherent variability of the sport.
Wyndham Clark, the reigning U.S. Open champion, is also in the field. Clark has had a more positive year leading up to the championship, with strong performances including a win at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. He reflected on a difficult experience at last year's U.S. Open, which led to a ban from Oakmont Country Club, and expressed a desire for redemption.
Additionally, several players have recently solidified their spots in the U.S. Open field. J.T. Poston and Bud Cauley earned invitations through recent PGA Tour victories. The USGA allocated seven spots for players who could qualify through various exempt categories, with five going to alternates from qualifying sites. The final field of 156 players includes 21 amateurs, with 68 players having gone through the rigorous 36-hole qualifying process.