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Giants QB Jameis Winston Sends Message to PGA Tour Golfer Ahead of RBC Canadian Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The RBC Canadian Open kicks off today at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ontario, with a star-studded field set to tee off. Big names like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and rising star Ludvig Aberg will be in action. Among them, a fresh face is turning heads, and former Florida State standout Luke Clanton is making his professional debut just over a week after wrapping up his college career.

Clanton, a two-time Ben Hogan Award winner, is already drawing plenty of attention. He’s grouped with McIlroy and Aberg for the first two rounds, teeing off at 7:40 a.m. ET Thursday and 12:55 p.m. ET Friday, with every shot featured live on ESPN+.

But perhaps the most heartwarming moment ahead of his debut came when New York Giants quarterback and fellow Seminole, Jameis Winston, surprised him with a message of support.

“Luke, first off, congratulations my brother and Go ‘Noles,” Winston said in a video shared by the PGA Tour. “So excited to see you set it off right with your first PGA Tour event. Man, go out there and do your very best one stroke at a time... Always believe in yourself. I believe in you.”

Clanton was visibly moved by the gesture. “That’s unbelievable,” he said. “I’ve watched all his highlights through his whole FSU career and watched him in the NFL… Hopefully I get to meet him in the future.”

When you get a surprise message from an @FSUFootball legend! @Giants QB Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) wishes fellow Nole Luke Clanton the best of luck on his professional debut this week @RBCCanadianOpen. pic.twitter.com/iKBILGBJDu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 4, 2025

Clanton is already earning praise from pros like Thomas, who noted, “There’s certain people that their golf ball makes a different sound... his is definitely one of them,” and Spieth, who added, “He’s got that ‘it’ factor.” Safe to say—Clanton’s pro journey is off to a memorable start.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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