Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan delivered stellar performances at the US Open, finishing tied for 23rd place and outperforming former champion Rory McIlroy. However, neither golfer will receive any prize money due to strict amateur status rules enforced by the USGA and R&A.
Amateurs Outperform Professionals
At Shinnecock Hills, only three golfers finished under par, with Wyndham Clark capturing his second US Open title. McIlroy, the 2011 champion, ended T32 at six-over-par, earning approximately £96,500. Koivun and Cowan, both amateurs, finished above McIlroy as well as past winners Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth.
The American duo would have collected £137,000 each for their T23 finish, but as non-professionals, they were ineligible for prize money. The total prize fund was a record £17 million, with Clark receiving £3.4 million and runner-up Sam Burns taking £1.84 million.
Strict Amateur Status Rules
The Rules of Amateur Status, governed by the USGA and R&A, prohibit amateur golfers from accepting prize money in professional competitions. When entering the US Open, players must declare their status as professional or amateur. By selecting amateur, they forfeit the right to compete for monetary prizes.
Koivun, the world's top-ranked amateur, and Cowan both maintained their amateur status for the tournament. The nearly £280,000 they declined was reallocated among the other professionals.
Koivun Turns Professional
Koivun announced earlier this month that he would turn professional after three outstanding years at Auburn University. He took up PGA Tour membership immediately after the US Open, with his professional debut expected at the John Deere Classic.
Koivun said: "I'm grateful to everyone at Auburn University for giving me the most incredible college experience I could've ever imagined. From bringing home a pair of national championships to the late nights and early mornings grinding at the facility and competing alongside guys I'll call brothers for the rest of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world. With that being said, I've decided to forego my senior year to pursue my lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour."
Cowan Shares Low Amateur Honor
Cowan, an upcoming senior at the University of Oklahoma, shared the tournament's Low Amateur honor with Koivun. Both 21-year-olds received the USGA Silver Medal for finishing as the top-performing amateurs in the championship.
