His mother, Meghan, recalled his early academic progress mirrored his golf development. "Because she didn't know what else to do," she said.
"It was the same with spelling and everything else."
Childhood instructor Fred Garcia noted the initial challenge of teaching Koivun to practice with a routine.
"He hit a medium bucket of balls in about five minutes, just rifling through them," Garcia said.
Fellow Tour competitor Russell Henley recognized Koivun's talent early. "I don't think he has a lot to learn.
That kid's good," Henley said.
"I always tell him just let me know when you're going to turn pro so I can retire."
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Hideki Matsuyama, Brian Harman, Chandler Phillips, and Denny McCarthy tied for third at 20-under.
