JOHN DEERE CLASSIC

July 5, 2025

Jackson Koivun

TPC Deere Run

Quick Quotes

Q. Jackson, can you talk about your week so far? I mean, you're right up there with the big boys so to speak.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, feel like I've been playing good this week. Obviously yesterday helped a little bit. Played really well and managed out there today.

Golf course got hard and wind picked up, and was able to manage myself pretty well. I'm pretty proud of that.

Q. Put 4 behind you and played really good golf. Where did that mentality, maturity come from?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I mean, I was just a little uncomfortable the first couple holes and that kind of showed on 4. Hit a good drive and made double after that. I just told myself I would get it back to even par. There are a couple stretches of holes out here on the back nine you can make some birdies on.

Kind of got it rolling after 11 and made a couple birdies coming in, so it was nice.

Q. How good does the par on 18 feel?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Very good. A little questionable being out of that lie and I got lucky it didn't hit the tree, but that two-putt was great. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Q. Did you have a pretty open look from where you were?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I did. I did. It was just in a rat's nest. Kind of unpredictable how it would come out.

Q. Just made sure you took enough club?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah.

Q. What did you hit?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Chip 7-iron.

Q. Who is having more fun this week, you or your dad?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I would say it's about a tie. He's definitely enjoying himself being back in his home town and I'm definitely enjoying myself out here on the golf course.

Q. Didn't get a chance to talk to you yesterday; to come out and shoot what you shot after the opening day, what was your mindset? How did it come together?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I just got out on the first tee and felt good. Made some early birdies and just tried to keep the train going.

Yesterday I played really solid off the tee and had a lot of good looks.

Q. Are you just freewheeling? Obviously this is all for a learning curve.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, just go out there and have fun and play your best.

Q. What's your mindset going into Sunday? It feels look you make the cut, you gain on it, you're right in contention. Mindset is to go out and win this thing, right?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Right. Exactly. I'm just trying to climb up the leaderboard as much as I can every day. I know if I go play well tomorrow I can definitely get in contention.

Just go out there and have if you know.

Q. You mentioned being a little uncomfortable to start the day? Why were you feeling uncomfortable?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I don't know. Didn't hit a great drive off 1. Hit a couple iffy shots on 2 and 3 and then obviously 4 happened. Kind of settled into myself on 5 or 6 and just kind of told myself if I can just get it going from here, I'll be fine.

Q. Given the connection to the Quad Cities, how special has this week been? Got one more day before you move on. Think about how the week has gone for you.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, it's been great. Been a lot of support out here. My dad still has a lot friends out here so we been going to their houses and hanging out and getting food with them.

I know my dad is loving being back here.

Q. Did you play some junior golf with Nick Dunlap? What kind of inspiration is what he did a year ago? How does that -- do you just feel like sky is the limit?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, Nick is a great dude and I played a lot of golf with him. It's obviously very inspiring to see what he did about a year ago now.

Obviously to be one the few ams to win a professional event would be great. At the end of the day I just got to go give it my best shot and be happy with the result.

Q. Should you be the winner tomorrow, do you do what he did?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I have no clue. No clue.

Q. It's a nice problem to have I guess.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yes, sir.