In 2024, amateur golfers have been making waves on the PGA Tour, starting with Nick Dunlap who became the first amateur since Phil Mickelson in 1991 to win on the PGA Tour when he captured the American Express title. Following this victory, Dunlap turned professional and has continued to find success on the tour. Another standout amateur player this year has been Neal Shipley, who finished as the low amateur at both the Masters and U.S. Open.
However, it is Luke Clanton who has stolen the spotlight in the summer and fall of 2024. The junior at Florida State has been impressing with his performance on the PGA Tour, making eight starts since June and making the cut seven times. Clanton has also finished in the top 10 four times, including two runner-up finishes at the RSM Classic and John Deere Classic. With his strong showing, Clanton is closing in on a PGA Tour card thanks to the PGA Tour University Accelerated program.
The PGA Tour University Accelerated program awards collegiate amateurs a PGA Tour card if they accumulate 20 points based on their performance in PGA Tour events. Clanton has earned a total of 11 points from his performances in PGA Tour events this year, and with his No. 1 World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and appearance on the Arnold Palmer Cup team, he now has a total of 17 points. Just three more points and Clanton will secure his PGA Tour card.
Although Vanderbilt senior Gordon Sargent already secured his 20 points last fall, he has decided to defer his card until May when he completes play at the NCAA Championship. In addition to Sargent, the leader of the PGA Tour University standings for the Class of 2025 will also earn a card following nationals. With the success of players like Clanton, it is possible that three of college golf’s top players could become PGA Tour members by next summer.
As Clanton continues to compete in PGA Tour events and maintain his impressive play, it is likely that he will earn the remaining points needed to secure his PGA Tour card in the near future. With his talent and dedication to the game, Clanton has the potential to make a significant impact on the PGA Tour and establish himself as a top player in the professional golf world. His success as an amateur golfer in 2024 has set the stage for what promises to be a bright future in the sport.
