The 2024 PGA Tour season saw a remarkable display of talent from amateur golfers, with a total of 15 amateurs making 22 cuts throughout the year. Luke Clanton of Florida State stood out as the top amateur performer, making cuts at seven different events, including an impressive tie for second at the season-ending RSM Classic. Neal Shipley, another standout amateur, made two cuts at major tournaments: the Masters and the U.S. Open. However, Nick Dunlap stole the show by securing a victory at the American Express, making him one of just eight golfers to win a PGA Tour event as an amateur. He later went on to win the Barracuda Championship as a professional.
While amateur golfers do not receive prize money for making cuts or winning tournaments, if they were to collect earnings based on their finishing positions, the total would amount to an impressive $4,263,930. Dunlap’s victory at the American Express would have earned him $1.512 million, while Clanton’s tie for second at the John Deere Classic would have been worth $712,000. If Clanton had cashed in on all seven of his finishes, he would have taken home over $2 million and secured a spot among the top earners on the PGA Tour’s 2024 season money list.
The list of amateurs who made cuts on the PGA Tour in 2024 is a testament to the depth of amateur talent in the world of golf. From Santiago De La Fuente’s performance at the Mexico Open at Vidanta to Kris Kim’s showing at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, these amateurs showcased their skills against some of the best players in the world. Notable finishes include Jackson Van Paris’s tie for 10th at the Puerto Rico Open, Neal Shipley’s tie for 26th at the U.S. Open, and Luke Clanton’s impressive second-place finish at the John Deere Classic.
The success of amateur golfers on the PGA Tour in 2024 highlights the potential for young talent to make a name for themselves on the professional circuit. With Nick Dunlap’s historic victory and Luke Clanton’s consistent performances, these amateurs have shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. As they continue to hone their skills and gain experience, the future looks bright for these rising stars in the world of golf.
