Jackson Koivun isn't tackling his Presidents Cup preparations on the practice green, but rather in the midst of battle on the PGA Tour. Instead of simulating nerves in practice, he's relying on the real pressure of the Biltmore Championship – his final tune-up before the big match play showdown in Medinah. For Koivun, it's clear: The goosebumps of a PGA Tour event can only be replicated in the heat of real competition.
"It's incredibly difficult to recreate the feelings of a PGA Tour event," Koivun admits openly. "The best way is simply to get back into it, enjoy the competition, and hole those shots under pressure." He's not alone: Jacob Bridgeman from the US Team and numerous International Team players are also competing this week to get the necessary competitive reps.
Match Play Fever and Mental Sharpness
Koivun, who hasn't played on Tour since the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he missed the second playoff round, loves the match play format. The team camaraderie and one-on-one pressure are what appeal to him. He even works with a mental coach to transform the nervousness before his USA assignment in Medinah into sharp focus.
Medinah Calls
The Biltmore Championship is thus not just any tournament, but the effective last PGA Tour stop before the Presidents Cup. Koivun's presence clearly shows that he leaves nothing to chance and is using this tournament as a final check-in before the major team event. When it comes to getting into top shape, it's not just about long drives and precise putts, but about the invaluable adrenaline rush under real conditions.
