During the 2025 Cognizant Classic there were of course plenty of moments among the professional players to note. One notable moment was when Billy Horshel had to shoo away an alligator with his golf club when it approached some spectators. However, in non-reptilian related news, a new up and comer has started down the path to becoming a professional golfer. During the Classic, Luke Clanton managed to earn his PGA Tour card at the age of 21, and is already capturing the hearts of fans.
Who Is Luke Clanton?
Luke Clanton is a Florida native who’s currently enrolled in Florida State University. He is currently making his rounds thanks in part to the PGA Tour U Accelerated program. A program in the PGA that allows college students a chance to earn their tour cards and play in the big leagues.
Clanton himself grew up around golf, specifically close to the same course the Cognizant classic is being held in. Raised in Hialeah Clanton and his family would watch the Cognizant Classic whenever it was held. Clanton competed in the Florida High School State Championship and has won three separate times. He has also competed and won in several other amateur events. These include the Arnold Palmer Invitational Junior, the NCAA Morgan Hill Regional, and the Watersound Invitational.
How Did He Earn His Tour Card?
Luke Clanton has been trying to get his Tour card since he entered the PGA Tour U program. He is only the second player to earn his card through this program. He’s been racking up the necessary wins and points to secure his place since June of 2024. Between then and November of the same year he managed to rack up 17 points. This is also the fastest anyone has accumulated points in the Tour U program’s history. He even reached the number one spot for amateur players worldwide. He finally earned the remaining points he needed at the Cognizant Classic.
“It’s been awesome,” Clanton, a junior at Florida State, said. “From the missed cuts to playing well to everything being out here, it’s amazing. I kind of said it again, I think this is my fourth start out here [of the year], and it feels good to get it done now. I got that question asked about 19 points a ton, and it was kind of nerve-racking, everyone saying to get your Tour card, which I love, and the support has been amazing, but to finally get it done is definitely a little bit of ease for sure.”
During his rounds he was getting a lot of support from home. Among the spectators he had friends, family, former teammates, and anyone who was watching his progress from his hometown.
What’s Next for Luke Clanton
After earning his Tour card, Luke Clanton can choose to defer his membership in the PGA Tour until after he graduates from Florida State. A move that would be good for his education, of course, all while competing in amateur events, just as before. He could also just go along with his card and jump right into the big leagues. Between Luke Clanton and Aldrich Potgieter, both making their marks in the PGA Tour, this season is shaping up to be something interesting.
Main Photo Credit: © JEFF ROMANCE/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
