SAN FRANCISCO – While Jackson Koivun was waiting for his turn on the 17th hole at San Francisco’s Olympic Club golf course, a less-talented colleague sliced a ball that whizzed only a few feet away from his head on a cloudy afternoon Monday.
Did it seem to rattle Koivun, who was decked out in navy blue pants and a crisp white shirt emblazoned with the Auburn logo?
Not at all.
In his return to Northern California, the 20-year-old San Jose native and top-ranked amateur in the world finished 2-under 68 on the first day of the U.S. Men’s Amateur championship.
“It’s great to be back,” Koivun said, adding, “Going over and being able to play well on the PGA tour was really fun. I’m happy to get back to amateur golf and try to build off those experiences.”
As he alluded to, Koivun finished ti