Jackson Koivun on Golf, Mental Focus and Life Beyond the Course
Meet Jackson Koivun, a young golfer who has already made quite a name for himself—and he is only getting started. In this exclusive interview, Miami Living chatted with the young champ about his personal habits, his love for the game, and what drives his passion both on and off the course.
During his time at Auburn University, Koivun racked up 11 individual victories and made college golf history by becoming the first player to win the sport’s three major national player of the year awards—the Haskins, Hogan, and Nicklaus—twice, sweeping all three in both 2024 and 2026. Impressive as that record may be, Koivun isn’t looking back. Driven by an intense competitive spirit and with plenty more golf ahead, he remains entirely focused on what comes next.
Photo Courtesy of Sam Hayes/Malbon
When he’s not competing, Koivun is happiest keeping things simple. Time at home, good friends and family give him a chance to step away from the game, something that doesn’t always come easily to a golfer who genuinely loves to play. After spending so much time on the road, though, he has learned to appreciate the quieter moments, too. With the people closest to him, there’s no need to talk about golf all the time. Win or lose, they remain his constant, offering the kind of perspective that can be hard to find in a competitive sport.
In our conversation with Miami Living, Koivun opens up about what it takes to stay focused under pressure, how he handles mistakes and the routines that help him perform at his best. He talks about the importance of sleep and recovery, his partnership with Saatva and the motivation that keeps him pushing forward. And when he gets a day away from golf, his idea of the perfect day in Miami is refreshingly simple: fishing, good food and time with friends.
Miami Living (ML): Before you step onto the first tee of an important tournament, what is going through your mind? Do you have a routine that helps you get into the right mental state?
Jackson Koivun: I try not to overthink it. I go through my normal warm-up, get comfortable, and just focus on the first shot. I think the more you can treat it like any other round, the better.
ML: Can you remember the first moment you realized that golf wasn't just something you enjoyed, but something you might actually have a special talent for? How old were you, and what happened?
Jackson Koivun: I don’t know if there was one specific moment. I’ve always loved playing and competing, and then as I started playing in bigger tournaments and having some success, I realized I might be able to take it pretty far. It happened pretty naturally.
ML: When you're in a difficult position on the course, perhaps behind in a tournament or facing a shot you don't feel comfortable with, how do you talk to yourself? What keeps you from letting one bad moment affect the next one?
Jackson Koivun: I just try to move on pretty quickly. Everyone is going to hit bad shots, so getting frustrated about something that already happened doesn’t really help. I try to reset and figure out what I need to do next.
ML: Golf can be incredibly mental. What tends to get inside your head the most, and what have you learned to do when that happens?
Jackson Koivun: Probably thinking too far ahead. If you start thinking about your score or where you could finish, it’s easy to get distracted. I play my best when I’m just focused on the shot in front of me.
ML: When you're playing your best golf, what does your life look like away from the course?
Jackson Koivun: It’s honestly pretty simple. I’m sleeping well, eating well, training, and getting enough recovery. I think having a routine helps a lot. When I feel good physically, and I’m rested, everything just feels a little easier on the course.
ML: What do you eat and drink during a tournament week?
Jackson Koivun: Nothing too crazy. I try to eat pretty clean, drink a lot of water, and make sure I’m getting enough food throughout the day. You’re out there for a long time, so keeping your energy up is probably the biggest thing.
ML: How important is sleep to you before a tournament? Do you have a particular bedtime routine?
Jackson Koivun: Sleep is huge for me. Tournament weeks are long, and you’re putting a lot into every day mentally and physically, so getting good sleep is a big part of being ready to go again the next morning. I definitely notice when I haven’t gotten enough.
That’s also why working with Saatva has been such a natural fit. I’m a big fan of the Contour5 Memory Foam Mattress, and things like the Organic Quilted Pillow and Organic Sateen Sheets just make it really easy to get comfortable and wind down. Having a good sleep setup is a pretty simple thing, but it makes a big difference in how rested I feel the next day.
ML: What does your physical training look like when you're preparing for a tournament?
Jackson Koivun: It’s a mix of strength, mobility, and flexibility. During tournament weeks, it’s less about pushing really hard and more about making sure my body feels good, and I’m ready to play.
ML: What tends to make you underperform?
Jackson Koivun: Probably trying to force things. If I’m thinking too much about the result or trying to make something happen, that’s usually when I get away from playing my best. Being tired doesn’t help either. Golf takes a lot of focus, so sleep and recovery definitely matter.
ML: You've accomplished an extraordinary amount at a very young age. How do you keep success from changing the way you approach the game?
Jackson Koivun: There’s still so much I want to accomplish. I’m obviously proud of what I’ve done so far, but I am just getting started. I just want to keep getting better and better each day.
ML: When you're not playing golf, what genuinely interests you?
Jackson Koivun: I love the game so much sometimes it’s hard for me to take a day off but I’m pretty laid-back. I like hanging out with my friends and family and just having some time at home. We spend so much time traveling and playing that sometimes doing absolutely nothing is pretty nice.
ML: What does Miami mean to you? If you had a completely free day there, how would you spend it?
Jackson Koivun: I love being outside, so probably something outdoors - like fishing, getting some good food and hanging out with friends. Nothing too planned. When you travel and have a schedule all the time, a completely free day is pretty great.
ML: How important has your family been in your development as a golfer and as a person?
Jackson Koivun: They’ve been a huge part of it. They’ve supported me the whole way, but they’re also the people who keep everything in perspective. Whether I play great or have a bad week, they’re still my family and nothing changes.
ML: Golf can become all-consuming at your level. Who or what helps keep you grounded outside the game?
Jackson Koivun: Definitely my friends and family. It’s nice being around people where everything isn’t about golf. I love the game and it’s a huge part of my life, but I also think having a life outside of it makes me better when I am playing.
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