Luke Clanton nearly clinched the low amateur honors at the 2024 US Open but missed out by two strokes after a three-putt.
He quickly bounced back, playing in the Rocket Mortgage Classic on a sponsor’s exemption and finishing T10 in his first regular PGA Tour event. Then, he entered the John Deere Classic and scored an impressive 24-under-par, ending T2nd with rounds of 63-67-67-63.
It’s notable because no amateur has achieved back-to-back top-10s on the PGA Tour since Billy Joe Patton did it in 1958. “That’s awesome to even realize that. Making a little bit more history is pretty sweet no doubt. Couple more events coming up so hopefully we can win one,” Clanton shared.
The young star had an incredible few weeks but missed out on $900,000 due to his amateur status. He’s now entering this week’s ISCO Championship as a favorite .
Turning Professional?
Winning could push him to turn professional, similar to Nick Dunlap after his American Express Championship victory earlier this year. Fans might think it’s time for him to make that leap.
Currently ranked 212th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 3rd among amateurs worldwide, Clanton’s T2 finish at TPC Deere Run put him close to earning an Open Championship spot. However, CT Pan took that place due to world ranking rules.
“It was good for sure,” Clanton said about his performance. “We came into the week with pretty high expectations I guess you could say after last week.”
“I think I kind of reached that expectation for sure,” he continued. “Of course you want to win. But again, to do what I did out there today was awesome.”
Reflecting on his journey so far: “I mean, it just kind of proves again to me I know I can win out here… After last week and this week being hopefully in second place… it just kind of shows me if I keep grinding and doing my thing I’ll be all right.”
What do you think? Should he go pro or stay an amateur longer?
