Jackson Koivun will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities.
The 21-year-old American sits at 20-under par, ahead of Ben Kohles and Emiliano Grillo, who are tied for second.
Koivun shot a dazzling 61 on Saturday, highlighted by two eagles on the back nine. His total tournament score stands at 193.
Michael Brennan and Chandler Phillips share fourth place at 16-under. Denny McCarthy, Billy Horschel, and Michael Kim are tied for sixth at 15-under.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler joined the chasing group at 14-under after a strong back nine on Saturday.
Koivun's Confidence and Preparation
Koivun turned professional recently after a decorated amateur career. In 2024, he became the first golfer to win four major collegiate awards.
He recorded four consecutive top-15 finishes on the PGA Tour last year and placed T23 in the recent US Open.
"I'm feeling great," Koivun said after his 61. "Excited, ready for tomorrow.
It's definitely going to be a test tomorrow."
He credited his time at Auburn University for preparing him for high-pressure situations.
"We were definitely put in some stressful situations at National Championships and just collegiate play," he said.
"Just trying to lean on those experiences to try to go out there and execute tomorrow."
Koivun added that he will stick to his game plan and try to smile. He acknowledged the strong field behind him but remains focused.
Challengers Ready to Close the Gap
Ben Kohles has had a strong summer, including a win at the Korn Ferry Tour's BMW Charity Pro-Am and a T3 at the John Deere Classic.
He is optimistic about his chances.
"I was in the same position," Kohles said.
"I played really good in that final round in the last group, so I know kind of what it takes."
Kohles plans to keep the pressure on. "I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing the last few months.
I've obviously been playing really well and just going to keep the pedal down and try to make a bunch of birdies tomorrow."
Michael Brennan, who won in Minnesota last year on the Canadian Tour, is also in contention.
Despite only one top-10 finish since that victory, he was among just 14 golfers to make the cut in all four major championships this year.
The final round of the 3M Open promises an exciting battle as Koivun seeks his first PGA Tour victory.
