PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Florida State University’s junior golfer, Luke Clanton, has clinched his PGA Tour card during the Cognizant Classic on Friday, simply by making the cut. Demonstrating remarkable composure and skill, Clanton shone at the PGA National by logging four consecutive birdies on the front nine. His impressive performance was capped off with a sensational bunker shot on the 18th hole, a moment that his father joyously captured from the gallery. Closing his round with a birdie, Clanton carded a 5-under 66, confidently securing his place for the weekend rounds.
This performance added the final point necessary within the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, awarding him a PGA Tour card, which becomes official following the NCAA Championship’s conclusion on May 26. Clanton’s option to defer turning professional means his card will be waiting for him whenever he chooses to transition. The Miami native expressed his excitement at achieving this milestone on familiar grounds, surrounded by family and friends who came to support him.
“I’ve dreamt of reaching this point while watching this event in my youth. Walking up to the 18th hole with so many supporters was truly overwhelming,” Clanton shared. Now, his dual focus is on finishing strong in the NCAA Championship and embarking on his professional golfing journey. Despite the celebrating, Clanton remains focused. At 9-under 133, only four shots behind the leader, he is in a strong position heading into the weekend, and he is familiar with such competitive circumstances.
In 12 PGA Tour-sanctioned event appearances, Clanton has collected two runner-up finishes and two additional top 10s. Acknowledging the burden he felt from being one point shy of PGA Tour eligibility, Clanton now feels relieved to have secured his card. His persistence through recent challenges, including missing the cut in two of his three PGA Tour events this year, demonstrates his determination and talent. Notably, his tie for 15th at the Farmers Insurance Open brought him tantalizingly close to the coveted card.
Undeterred by an early round bogey, Clanton regained momentum with a stellar display of long drives and pinpoint precision. His ability to recover from challenging situations, such as holing a bunker shot despite an earlier mishap, highlights his resilient mindset. Clanton admits that reaching the 20-point mark, required to earn the tour card in the Accelerated program, provided a significant sense of ease.
“We’re still focused on the remaining rounds ahead,” Clanton asserted, eyes set on competing fiercely for victory. The Accelerated pathway, initiated in November 2022 for underclassmen, allows players like Clanton to collect points through making cuts at PGA events, participating in majors, and attaining high amateur rankings. His track record, including a commendable 41st place at the U.S. Open and recognition as the world’s top amateur golfer, contributed to his achievement.
In his current tournament, Clanton has been competing alongside established players like Daniel Berger, a former Ryder Cup participant and fellow Florida State alum. Berger believes in Clanton’s potential, lauding his remarkable shot-making abilities and fiery competitive spirit. The blend of skill, strategic foresight, and supportive mentorship suggests a promising future for Clanton within professional golf.
