The amateur golf scene is getting more competitive each year.
Luke Clanton, an amateur golfer, has been turning heads in 2024 with impressive performances on the PGA Tour, including several top 10 finishes. Earlier in the year, Nick Dunlap won The American Express as an amateur, and Clanton followed up with a second-place finish at the John Deere Classic.
Clanton also tied for 10th at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and is currently chasing Max Greyserman at the Wyndham Championship . Despite these achievements, he can’t earn prize money because he’s still an amateur. According to Rule 3.1 of the USGA’s Rules of Amateur Status: "An amateur golfer cannot play for money in a golf match, exhibition or other competition such as a tournament."
Fans might think it’s tough luck missing out on nearly $1.5 million this year alone! If Clanton were eligible for prize money, he’d rank around 88th on the 2024 PGA Tour money list after just six events.
LUKE CANTON’S 2024 EARNINGS
Time is definitely on his side though. At just 20 years old and a junior at Florida State, he aims to help his college team win a title before heading to the US Amateur right after the Wyndham Championship.
Here’s what his earnings would look like if he could keep them:
- US Open: T41st – $72,305
- Rocket Mortgage Classic: T10th – $206,233
- John Deere Classic: T2nd – $712,000
- ISCO Championship: T36th – $17,400
- 3M Open: Missed Cut
- Wyndham Championship: 5th (Potential) – $387,100
Total potential earnings would be around $1,331,838!
What do you think about these rules? Should amateurs be allowed to earn prize money?
