AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT: LUKE CLANTON
Heading into Round 3 at the Farmers Insurance Open, our guy Ludvig Åberg is tied for the lead and in a fantastic spot to grab his second PGA Tour win. However, there’s another storyline worth keeping an eye on this week: Luke Clanton.
Currently a student at Florida State University, Clanton holds the title of #1 amateur golfer in the world. Thanks to the PGA Tour’s University Acceleration Program, amateurs have a pathway to earning their PGA Tour card by accumulating 20 points through select events. Clanton is sitting at 18 points right now, and a Top 5 finish this week would get him over the line and onto the Tour.
Clanton’s amateur career speaks for itself, but he really started turning heads last year in his eight PGA Tour appearances. He missed the cut just once and racked up four Top 10 finishes. He also made the cut in his first major appearance at last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst, finishing T41. But what makes Clanton even more compelling isn’t just his game—it’s who he is and where he comes from.
Looking at Luke, he comes across as just a normal guy. Born just outside of Miami, Florida, he was raised by his parents, David and Rhonda. His dad works three jobs as a landscaper, golf instructor, and small business owner, while his mom works as a flight attendant. Luke’s dad introduced him to golf at their local muni, the Country Club of Miami. They never had the resources to join a private club, but Luke’s passion for the game motivated his parents to make sacrifices so he could compete with juniors across the country.
What also stands out is Luke’s outspoken faith. Before every round, he takes a moment to pray near the teebox, hoping his visible demonstration of faith inspires others. He’s even had the chance to connect with the world’s top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler. The two played a practice round together, and Luke was quick to praise Scheffler’s character and the way he lives his life, both on and off the course.
Whether or not Clanton secures his card this week, one thing is clear: he’s gaining fans and making a name for himself. At just four shots off the lead (-2), he’s in a great spot to make a run this weekend. Either way, we’ll definitely be seeing more of him in the future.