On Monday, TGL revealed that 21-year-old Jackson Koivun is set to join the league for its 2027 campaign. The American golfer, who recently impressed at the Presidents Cup, will partner with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka as part of the Detroit-based Motor City Golf Club.
Serving as the seventh franchise in the men’s circuit, Motor City Golf Club marks TGL’s initial expansion team. Since the franchise was established in May 2025, Koivun and Koepka remain the sole players named to the roster.
“Playing team golf has delivered some of my most memorable moments, whether competing for national titles at Auburn or playing for the U.S. during the Presidents Cup,” stated Koivun. “Sharing the course with teammates and drawing energy from the crowd elevates those experiences immensely.
“I really admire TGL and appreciate how it introduces fresh audiences and an arena atmosphere to the sport. Having visited the SoFi Center, I can say it’s completely unique compared to traditional golf. I look forward to teaming up with Brooks, taking on this fresh challenge, and establishing a franchise that Detroit fans can enthusiastically rally behind.”
Adding Koivun fits right into TGL’s strategy of bringing youthful energy into the league. Alongside established stars like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Adam Scott playing at the SoFi Center, emerging players such as Nick Dunlap, Luke Clanton, and Neil Shipley have also made appearances, even if sporadically as their PGA Tour form fluctuated.
Prior to Koivun’s signing, 24-year-old Tom Kim stood as the league’s youngest competitor; Kim captured a PGA Tour victory in 2026 and has seen his profile soar through team competitions across TGL and the Presidents Cup. Additionally, 25-year-old Michael Thorbjornsen featured frequently during the 2026 TGL season while acting as a key alternate for Boston Common Golf.
During last month’s victorious U.S. Presidents Cup performance at Medinah, Koivun distinguished himself as the sole undefeated American, posting a 2-0-1 record. His Sunday singles defeat of International team leader Si Woo Kim proved crucial in clinching a rally victory for the United States.
Competitions focused on team play frequently spotlight rising stars, a trend previously observed with golfers like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and Cameron Young. Throughout the Presidents Cup, Koivun gained guidance from Justin Thomas while sharing facilities with multi-major victors including Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark.
Moving forward, Koivun will benefit from direct access to a five-time major winner in Koepka. Although TGL might not match the intense competitive stakes of PGA Tour tournaments or majors, working closely with a proven champion like Koepka could offer immense value to Koivun as public expectations around him continue to escalate.
Just three months after turning pro, the former college standout has amassed an impressive resume featuring a victory against the top-ranked golfer in the world, a spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and a standout Presidents Cup performance. As he prepares for his first complete year as a professional, learning alongside premier talent will provide him with valuable insights to further elevate his game.
