Auburn's Jackson Koivun Breaks School Record with Latest Collegiate Win

The world's No. 1 amateur golfer continues his dominant start to the spring season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Jackson Koivun, the world's No. 1 amateur golfer and a junior at Auburn University, won the 2026 Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Florida, marking his seventh career collegiate victory - the most in Auburn history. Koivun finished the tournament at 9-under par, two shots better than runner-up Wilhelm Ryding of USF. The win comes just a week after Koivun broke a Tiger Woods record by winning the Amer Ari Invitational at 25-under par.

Why it matters

Koivun's continued dominance on the collegiate golf circuit cements his status as one of the top amateur players in the world and the favorite to capture the prestigious Fred Haskins Award, given annually to the top collegiate player of the year. His record-breaking performance at Auburn also highlights the school's strong golf program and its ability to develop elite talent.

The details

Koivun's victory at the Gator Invitational was his second win in as many weeks to start the spring season. Last week, he broke a Tiger Woods record by winning the Amer Ari Invitational at 25-under par. At the Gator Invitational, Koivun finished at 9-under par, two shots clear of runner-up Wilhelm Ryding of USF. The win was also the seventh of Koivun's Auburn career, the most of any golfer in school history, breaking a tie with Jimmy Green.

  • Koivun won the Amer Ari Invitational on February 8, 2026.
  • Koivun won the Gator Invitational on February 15, 2026.

The players

Jackson Koivun

The world's No. 1 amateur golfer and a junior at Auburn University.

Wilhelm Ryding

A golfer at the University of South Florida who finished second at the Gator Invitational.

Jimmy Green

A former Auburn golfer who previously held the school record for most career wins.

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer whose record Koivun broke at the Amer Ari Invitational.

Noah Kent

An Iowa transfer making his first start for the University of Florida, where he tied for third at the Gator Invitational.

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What they’re saying

“Jackson Koivun is now 2-for-2 to kick off his spring.”

— Cameron Jourdan, Author (usatoday.com)

What’s next

Koivun will look to continue his dominant start to the season as he pursues the Fred Haskins Award, given annually to the top collegiate player of the year. Auburn will also aim to build on its second-place finish at the Gator Invitational as the team prepares for the remainder of the spring schedule.

The takeaway

Jackson Koivun's record-breaking performance at Auburn underscores his status as one of the top amateur golfers in the world. His ability to win consistently at the collegiate level, even breaking a Tiger Woods record, highlights the strength of Auburn's golf program and its ability to develop elite talent.