Jackson Koivun tees off at 1:13 p.m. ET on Thursday to defend his status as the top rookie at the 2026 Austin Championship. The 21-year-old from San Jose, aims to add a second win to his ledger after claiming the 3M Open earlier this summer. He will share his opening round group with Austin Smotherman and Tommy Morrison on the Fazio Canyons Course at Omni Barton Creek.
The race for the top rookie title heated up last week when Blades Brown shocked the golf world with a maiden victory. Brown became the youngest Tour winner in modern history, beating Brown to the winner’s circle just days before this event. Koivun has been a constant force on leaderboards since turning pro this summer, but Brown’s sudden rise changes the dynamic. The competition for the award is now a direct head‑to‑head battle between two young players.
Per Golf.com, the tournament gets underway this Thursday with the first round of play. Fans can catch the action live on Golf Channel from 2-5 p.m. ET, with simulcasts available on the Golf Channel app. The coverage will highlight the clash between established veterans and the new wave of talent making its mark.
The Rookie Showdown
Koivun enters the week with the weight of expectation after his early-season triumph. He proved he could close out a tournament when he took home the 3M Open trophy. Now he faces a field loaded with players who know how to win on tough Texas terrain. His group includes Smotherman, who knows the local area well, and Morrison, a solid competitor on tour.
Brown arrives with the fresh energy of a historic breakthrough. His win last week was not just a fluke; it was a statement that he belongs among the best. The question for Thursday is how he handles the pressure of being the new story on tour. Playing alongside veterans like Andrew Novak and Max Homa in his group will test his composure early.
Veterans Set the Pace
The field includes names that know the Austin track inside and out. Billy Horschel, Daniel Berger, and Doug Ghim are grouped together in the 8:44 a.m. window. They bring a level of experience that young players like Koivun and Brown are still trying to match. Their ability to manage the course conditions could prove vital as the wind picks up on the Fazio Canyons layout.
Kevin Yu, Aaron Wise, and Kevin Streelman tee off at 8:33 a.m. in another group with deep tour history. These players have seen it all and know how to navigate the tricky greens.
Who Else Is Watching
The field is packed with players looking to bounce back from recent struggles. Sami Valimaki, Davis Thompson, and Stephan Jaeger start at 8:44 a.m. looking for a spark. Adam Schenk, Joe Highsmith, and Lucas Glover follow at 8:55 a.m. with similar goals.
Blades Brown’s group features a mix of talent that could make for an exciting broadcast. He plays alongside Andrew Novak and Max Homa, both of whom have the skills to challenge for the lead. Koivun’s group, meanwhile, offers a battle for dominance between two rising stars.
The 2026 Austin Championship Round 1 tee times run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:19 p.m. ET across two tee times.
