Luke Clanton To Make Pro Debut At RBC Canadian Open

During the Cognizant Classic earlier this year, Gary Woodland received the Courage Award, Joe Highsmith took home the win, and another thing happened.  Fans took notice of a newcomer who was quickly becoming a new favorite.  That newcomer was Luke Clanton, a student of Florida State University who was going through the PGA Tour U program for a chance to earn a Tour Card.  Fans may remember that he was successful and now has his Tour Card.  Now, for the first time since earning that card, he is competing as a pro at the RBC Canadian Open this week.

Why Did Luke Clanton Wait?

The world amateur No. 1 had a bit of a wait between events.  This is simply because of school.  Clanton was on the university’s golf team and was still competing with them since earning his Tour Card.  He was trying to help his team win a national title, something that hadn’t happened since the team was founded for the university.  That fact, unfortunately, remains consistent with the college golf season drawing to a close.  Clanton’s team finished ninth during the NCAA Championship.  The top ten is not bad at all, but not what Clanton had in mind.  

Other Players Eager For The Rookie

Now that college is behind him, Clanton is off to his first event as a professional.  The other pros who will be on the field are always eager to see fresh faces tee off.  Some of whom got to witness Clanton receive his Tour Card at Palm Beach, Florida.  His teammates back in university have said that Clanton has a “high energy”.  Always eager to play, one remembered a time when Clanton played while being dehydrated and couldn’t think straight.  Justin Thomas had a chance to see Clanton in action at the Waste Management Open in Phoenix, Arizona, before he went pro and saw plenty of potential in him.

“There are certain people that their golf ball makes a different sound when they hit than others, and his is definitely one of them,” said Justin Thomas. “He wasn’t shy and wasn’t scared of the moment. So I know he’s going to come out here ready to go.”

His energy and enthusiasm are something that everyone just likes.  It has caused him some trouble on his college team and in the amateur leagues.  He has said that he wishes he could control his emotions at times when he gets some good scores.  Since then, he seems to have enough control of it to keep it a benefit.

Clanton Heading To The RBC Canadian Open

Luke Clanton has decided to leave college to pursue his pro golf career.  With his Tour Card secured, his time will be filled with training for the next tournament in the big leagues.  He hopes to someday go back to finish his education, but for now, he is going pro.  His No. 1 position for the amateurs will be up for grabs once again as he chases the No. 1 in the pro circuits. From his humble beginning watching the pros play when they were in town to now being one of those pros, the future is looking exciting for Luke Clanton.