College Star Luke Clanton Easily Makes the Cut in Cognizant Classic and Earns PGA Tour Card
Florida State junior Luke Clanton only needed to make the cut Friday in the Cognizant Classic to earn a PGA Tour card. That was never in doubt.
Racing Off Four Straight Birdies
Clanton ran off four straight birdies on the front nine at PGA National, the last one by holing a bunker shot as his father captured it on a phone from the gallery, and closed with a birdie for a 5-under 66 to easily make it to the weekend.
Earning the Final Point
That gave him the final point he needed in the PGA Tour University Accelerated program to earn a PGA Tour card after the NCAA Championship ends May 26. If he chooses not to turn pro, the card will be there when he does.
A Sense of Pride and Relief
“It’s pretty cool to do it here,” said Clanton, who grew up near Miami and had his entire family (and plenty more) in the gallery. “I’ve watched this event growing up a ton, and to be on 18 walking up and seeing all the people there, it’s breathtaking.
“I’m just excited to kind of get this journey started and go back and win a national championship with the college team first and then get it started.”
In Contention for the Weekend
The 21-year-old Clanton was beaming as he held the tour card, though his work is not done. His birdie from the bunker on the 18th hole put him at 9-under 133, just four shots out of the lead and very much in contention going into the weekend.
A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
In the 12 times he has played PGA Tour-sanctioned events, Clanton already has two runner-up finishes and two other top 10s. They all contributed to his rapid rise through PGA Tour University, which began five years ago to give college players a direct path to the big leagues.
No More Worries About the Card
Clanton missed the cut in two of his three PGA Tour events this year. He tied for 15th in the Farmers Insurance Open, putting him on the cusp of a card. He conceded the final point was starting to become a burden.
“It feels good to get it done now,” he said. “I got that question asked about 19 points a ton, and it was kind of nerve-racking — everyone saying to get your tour card, which I love, and the support has been amazing — but to finally get it done is definitely a little bit of ease for sure.”
A Bright Future Ahead
He made bogey on his second hole by having to pitch back to the fairway, which might have added to the nerves. That didn’t last long. He hit a 319-yard drive that set up a two-putt birdie on the par-5 third. He hit wedge to 10 feet for birdie on the fourth hole. He made a 20-foot birdie on the par-3 fifth. And then he hit a tough shot around the trees into a bunker, and holed that for a fourth birdie.
Focused on the Weekend
Clanton muffed one chip on the 14th with the finish line in sight. He followed that by knocking in an 18-foot par putt. He did little wrong, and his week is not over.
“We still have two more days in this event and we’re going to be locked in and try to go out and win this thing,” Clanton said.
About the PGA Tour University Program
The PGA Tour University program began for seniors. The “Accelerated” program began in November 2022 — after the first season of Saudi-backed LIV Golf — for underclassmen. They can accumulate points for making the cut on the PGA Tour, playing and making the cut in a major and other achievements. A card is earned with 20 points.
Conclusion
Luke Clanton’s impressive performance in the Cognizant Classic has earned him a PGA Tour card, a feat that will give him a platform to pursue his dream of becoming a professional golfer. With his rapid rise through the ranks, Clanton is poised to make a significant impact on the professional golf circuit.
FAQs
* What does it take to earn a PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour University program?
A card is earned with 20 points, which can be accumulated by making the cut on the PGA Tour, playing and making the cut in a major, and other achievements.
* What is the PGA Tour University program?
The PGA Tour University program began for seniors and the “Accelerated” program began in November 2022 for underclassmen, providing a direct path to the big leagues for college players.
* How did Clanton earn his PGA Tour card?
Clanton earned 14 points through tournaments, including his tie for 41st in the U.S. Open, and picked up five points for reaching No. 1 in the world amateur ranking and another point for staying at No. 1 for at least 26 weeks.
