THE PRESIDENTS CUP

September 23, 2026

Jackson Koivun

Medinah Country Club

Press Conference

Q. Jackson, kind of talk about the experience of being here for the first time in this environment, playing a Presidents Cup, what it's been like so far.

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's been so much fun, getting here on Monday. The week has kind of flown by. Really excited for tomorrow. Golf course is great, getting to know everyone is really cool.

Q. You've spent a lot of time with JT so far. Has that been like a mentorship, him taking you under his wing?

JACKSON KOIVUN: JT has been a mentor for me for a couple years now. Known him for a while. Him and Russ have been really good to me over the past couple years. Just really being able to spend some time in a team environment with them has been awesome.

Q. How do you try to find -- are you trying to feel like you belong? Are you trying to lean into this is crazy, I'm here, this is a cool new moment? What's the balance between those two things?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, just like you said, it's trying to find the balance. Obviously making it this quick is really cool and special, but at the same time, when it comes up on the first tee tomorrow, I need to feel like I belong and I'm ready to compete.

Just getting comfortable and acquainted with everything.

Q. How have you felt this week with your game?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's felt great. Coming off a good week last week, and golf course suits me very well. Got some fast greens and got to hit some good iron shots, so I'm excited for what's to come.

Q. Jackson, this is your first year playing team Cup golf, but your match play record kind of speaks for itself. You have the best record in Auburn history, so you're coming off a season where some of the guys haven't played match play, or as much match play as you have in your college career. What do you think makes you a good match player, and what do you think makes a great match player? It's kind of a game within a game.

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's just never getting yourself out of a hole at the end of the day. Match play is something I love and something I've played a lot of now for the past couple years. Just being able to portray it on this big of a stage is going to be so much fun.

I think the key to match play, like I said, is never getting yourself out of a hole. If you can get a little hot with the putter, it can get really annoying.

Q. It's your first Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, whatever it is. Do you have a memory from when you were younger of one of the best moments that sticks in your mind watching a Cup match?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I mean, growing up in California, the Presidents Cup was at Harding Park, I believe. Just watching that, it was really cool knowing that was close to me.

Q. I'd like to get your reaction to last night. Great video of you, the picture joining all the women for the photo. How was it being the token single guy, and how is it suddenly being in the spotlight?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It was a little bit of peer pressure to get up there, but it was cool. I felt a little out of place, but as we've seen before, it's kind of something that happens if you're single going up to one of those galas. They kind of pick on you a little bit. It was a fun night and very enjoyable.

Q. How is it sharing a room and being in a group chat now with these people that you grew up watching on television? I've heard you've inserted yourself. How has that been?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's been great. Honestly, we have so much talent on this week and growing up watching a couple of these guys do what they do, it's been really cool to call them my partners now, and being in group chats with them, getting to know them, all that kind of stuff has just been kind of surreal.

Q. How does an Auburn and Alabama get along out there?

JACKSON KOIVUN: We put our differences to the side and just focus on golf. But obviously there's the whole Iron Bowl thing, but we're on the same team and we're going to go fight for the USA.

Q. Do you feel more comfortable in foursomes or four-ball? Do you have a preference?

JACKSON KOIVUN: At the end of the day, you've got to go hit good shots regardless. I think with foursomes, it's maybe a little easier to get into a rhythm. But at the end of the day, like I said, you've just got to go hit good shots and execute.

Q. What's been the funniest response you've heard from somebody about last night's video and photo?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I mean, just all the guys laughing at me while I was up there. That's all I've really gotten.

Q. What's the challenge like being on the team, you being the second youngest guy to ever be on this sort of a team? X doesn't even remember when he was 21 years old, so he says.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, the chemistry has been great. They've been very welcoming. We're all in this together. We all can go hit a golf ball. Just trying to lift each other up, make each other the best we can. It's been awesome.

Q. I asked you about the Xbox at the John Deere Classic trying to get to know your personality. Can you talk about how far you've come in such a short time? I know you didn't enter the John Deere Classic thinking you were going to win the tournament, but it came pretty quick.

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I've definitely jumped a little bit. There was no doubt in my mind I could do it. Again, I just didn't expect it to come this early. Just excited for what has happened this week and what's to come.

Q. What's it like working with Brandt Snedeker? He has this rare gift of kicking people in the butt if they need it but also mentoring them as well, which is why he got the role. How do you go into this tournament, and what has he talked to you about as far as keeping your emotions in check?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, captain Snedeker has been awesome and couldn't ask for a better captain along with the vice captain. He's been great.

Funny story, I actually played my first professional event with him at the Memorial. That's when I met him. Once they solidified the picks, he kind of kept in touch. They were always checking in on me, making sure I'm doing okay. Just nothing but more thankful for them.

Q. A couple shots at Medinah, a couple shots out here that to you, you enjoy, just thinking about the course, that stand out?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's really hard not to like hole 16 over the water. It's such an iconic par-3 for this week. Hole 12, the drivable par-4, I think that's going to produce some fun moments. I don't know if they're going to play it drivable all day, and obviously wind direction changes things. But that's going to be so much fun.

I really like shots that are hard and you've really got to think about it. Those two kind of stick out to me.

Q. How are your shoes so clean?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I just got them.

Q. Did you play in them today?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I did, yes. Tried to stay in the fairway as much as I could.

Q. You're not that far removed from being in a Junior Presidents Cup match yourself, and today we noticed quite a few of the Junior Presidents Cup players out following you, even some of the international players. What was that like to have your peers and people not that far behind you out with you today?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I think it was four years ago I was in their same shoes. I just remember back at Quail Hollow was where I played my Junior Presidents Cup, going out and watching and just kind of being star struck by some of the guys.

Now it kind of gives me flashbacks seeing them out there watching, asking questions. It's so cool to see.

Q. Obviously such a big event this week so early in your career. What are you trying to prove to the rest of the Tour and the fans across the world this weekend?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Honestly, I'm just trying to go play well for USA. I feel like if I can go play the way I can, I can prove myself in that aspect. Yeah, just go fight hard for the United States.

Q. Justin was just talking about some of the emotions from his first Presidents Cup and what he remembers. What have you been going through this week, and how has he been able to mentor you across practice rounds?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I've just been nothing but excited this week. I've been waiting for Thursday to come. Definitely going to feel some nerves on the first tee, but we're all human. I think everyone does. I feel like once I get that first tee shot out of the way -- I told Justin, once I get my first tee shot out of the way, I'm going to be good. Just kind of balancing adrenaline, nerves, everything like that to the best of my ability because I've put myself in situations like that. I don't really know if anything is going to recreate what I'm going to feel on the first tee tomorrow, but just getting into that mindset that this is here and we've got to go play some good golf.

Q. Are you going to draw on your previous International Team experience as well like Walker Cups?

JACKSON KOIVUN: For sure, yeah. Playing in a Walker Cup last year, that was a great experience. Obviously we had a great team out at Cypress Point. Regardless of where I'm at, the first tee shot always gives me a little nerves, and I always tell myself that nerves are a good thing because that means I care. If I didn't get nervous, that means I just didn't care that much.

Definitely going to be nervous. Felt nerves at Walker Cup, felt nerves at nationals, felt nerves everywhere. I think that's natural and something you can build on.

Q. Everybody seems invested around here about group chats and team chemistry. What has your impression been as a rookie on this team and if you can give a little insight on your rookie karaoke from the other night?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I'm not sure what my impression has been. I'm just trying to be myself, getting to know the guys and trying to be lighthearted and my karaoke was terrible two nights ago. It is what it is.

Q. You're obviously familiar with team events, but how is this different? Accommodations, swag, now that you're doing it with the pros in a team event, what are some of the standout changes that are different from amateur or college days?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, obviously the Walker Cup, they do a phenomenal job of putting us up, getting us geared up and everything like that. I think the main thing I've noticed is the buildout here at Medinah. The golf course is awesome and it's going to have a lot of people on property.

Mentally getting ready to accept that, that there might be 50,000 people on the first tee, it's just something I've got to accept and embrace. That's the main thing I've noticed is just the amount of people and support we have out here at the Presidents Cup.

Q. Overall, the team, are they embracing you as one of their own, or are you kind of like the kid brother out here?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I'd like to think they're embracing me. They're always joking with me about how young I am, but at the end of the day, like I said earlier, we're all playing for the United States of America and we've all got to go get a little while golf ball into a hole. It doesn't matter how you do it, you've just got to get it done.

Q. The course itself, do you feel like you get around well on it? Are there parts that you're finding you've got to figure out how to work with it? What's your initial take here of Medinah?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I love Medinah. I think the golf course is awesome. It's a nice championship setup. You've got to really hit some good shots, and I think that suits our team well.

Iron play is going to be crucial out here, especially with how big and sloped the greens are. You get the putter rolling, you can make a lot of putts with how good they are. They've got a lot of slope. Positioning yourself is going to be really important this week.

Q. Has there been a moment where you have to pinch yourself this week? It's happened so fast. We did an interview at NCAAs three months ago and there was no one there, you were carrying your own bag. Now you're in this team room. Has it been a little surreal?

JACKSON KOIVUN: For sure. It is surreal, and it's hitting me for sure. Once I got here, I was like, okay, we're here, we're ready.

At the end of the day, it is surreal, but come tomorrow, I've just got to step up and play good golf.

Q. You talked a little bit about your relationship with Justin. What makes him so easy to open up to or lean on when you're going through struggles? Essentially why him?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I mean, he's just someone that I've trusted for a while now. We have mutual friends and connections so I've known him for about two years now, and I feel I can ask him or talk to him about just about anything golf-wise. He's been nothing but helpful this week.

Q. Do you think it has anything to do with you guys both playing in Alabama, maybe both playing in the SEC?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I think more of the fact that we both turned pro early. I called and talked to him about that, like his opinion, how he did it. Just getting to know each other over the past couple years has just grown into a nice friendship.

Q. Do you prefer a partner who plays a similar style to you or a different style?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I prefer a similar style. I think hitting it into similar spots and the way they play their golf can grow momentum, especially in alternate shot. Personally I like guys who miss it kind of in the same spots so I'm comfortable there, have similar numbers in. It just makes it a little more comfortable.

Q. How much do you communicate with your partner during the round?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It kind of just comes on a hole-by-hole basis. We've talked about it; if he wants my help reading putts or vice versa, we'll call him in. We're not going to both step up and read putts if we don't need it. Keegan made a great point; we made it here for a reason. We don't need to change anything now. Asking for advice I think is good, but you just don't want to overdo it.

Q. Can you talk about the mentorship you've had this week with the different players and if there's anyone who's really helped you this week?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I mean, the entire team has been great, including the captains. They've been nothing but open arms. Any questions I have, they'll answer. Giving me advice, giving me tips on what to do in certain situations. I just think I can go to anyone on the team, and they'll help me.

Q. How would you describe the team atmosphere in one word?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's a good competitiveness.

Q. Who's your favorite swing on the team?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Favorite swing on the team? I like Cam Young with the pause at the top.

Q. What's it feel like putting on the red, white and blue at the Presidents Cup?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I just love playing for Team USA. It's always fun when you're able to put on the red, white and blue and play on a team with guys who are fighting for the same cause. It just feels great to be back in a team atmosphere.

Q. A few guys on the team have talked about the unity that sports can bring. How important do you think that is when we might disagree with certain politics, but at the end of the day we're all rooting for Team USA?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's great. All these team events, playing for the United States of America, no matter what, we're fighting -- like I said, we're fighting for the same cause for the United States. It's a great feeling.

Q. With President Trump expected to attend this week, what would it mean to play in front of the President of the United States?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, obviously he's a huge supporter of golf, and at the end of the day it's cool to see the President show up for an event like this.

Q. I'm curious if you guys have a group text this week and what the name of that group text is.

JACKSON KOIVUN: We do. I think it's '26 Medinah team.

Q. That's it?

JACKSON KOIVUN: That's it.

Q. Who's the funniest person in the group test?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Gotterup is pretty funny.

Q. A lot of memes being shared?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Here and there.

Q. Is it a little bit more motivational or chemistry? What's it like in there?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It's all fun and games. Just loosening up and enjoying each other's company.

Q. At a team event, larger galleries, how nerve-racking is it to also have out of bounds on 1, 2 and 3?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, I mean, it's there, but there's a lot of fairway there too. Just going to be able to play my game and kind of just look right down the middle of the fairway.

Q. What was your first reaction when you played hole 1 and you saw the buildout? What was your take on that?

JACKSON KOIVUN: It was cool. Obviously having the grandstands surround the first tee is really, really cool. First hole is a good par-4. You definitely can't cheat it around that hole. You're going to have to hit two good shots to give yourself a look at birdie.

Q. How tight does that fence come into play on the second shot on 2?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I mean, it's definitely left of the green, but that green is pretty large. Just kind of depends what club you leave yourself in and where the wind is. I don't think it comes that close.

Q. With the opportunities you've given yourself the last few years, do you feel like you've had to grow up faster than the average person your age?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I don't think so. I feel like I've been pretty mature from the get-go. But just getting used to the lifestyle has definitely made me grow up a little bit, traveling week in and week out, in the hotel rooms, playing on the PGA Tour. It's different for sure.

Q. Everyone that we've talked to has talked about how you seem very mature for your age. Do you think that's just how you are, or do you think there was a preparation, a training to be like this?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I'm not really sure. I would say maybe that's just the way I am. Just coming into college, I just loved to golf. I don't get distracted very easily, and just kind of enjoy getting my work done.

Q. Your dad said when you would come to tournaments as a kid, you wouldn't be one of the kids clamoring for autographs, you would just want to leave and go play. What were those experiences like for you as a kid when you would go out to see these things?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Yeah, we had a Web.com event at CordeValle when I was younger in California that I would go watch. Yeah, it's cool, but at the end of the day, I want to be the one golfing. I don't want to be watching. I wanted to go practice.

That was the same with every sport. If I was watching football, during commercials or halftime, I wanted to go throw or play football. Basketball, same way. I've always been the type of kid who wants to go do something instead of watch.

Q. Everyone said you've been more reserved, but Xander said you've given a few needles back. What kind of needles have you given the guys?

JACKSON KOIVUN: I'm not quite sure. Like I said, we're all just trying to keep it -- I'm trying to come out of my shell a little bit to these guys and be myself.

Q. You make a ton of birdies, get put out in four-ball. Do you prefer a conservative player who's steady or do you want to look at the guy next to you and be like, let's make 10 each? Which one would you be more comfortable?

JACKSON KOIVUN: Obviously in four-ball, as many birdies as possible is great. But I really don't prefer -- I'm not going to change my game the way someone else plays, and I hope they don't change their game the way I play.

At the end of the day, like I said earlier, we're all here for a reason and we're all good enough to go out there and compete. If we can just go play our games and not let the pressures of four-ball or foursomes change too much, I think we've got a pretty good chance.

Q. Your mom said you had some trouble at the DMV --

JACKSON KOIVUN: I had some trouble at the DMV? I lean on my mom for a lot. She's very helpful and I'm nothing but appreciative of her. If I ever have any problems, she's the one I call.