Gordon Sargent, the No. 1 ranked amateur golfer, made a bold and surprising decision about his future on Thursday.
The Vanderbilt junior made the announcement via Instagram. back to school For his senior year instead of turning pro.
“I am excited to announce that I will be returning to Vanderbilt for my senior year in 2024-2025,” Sargent wrote. “It’s an honor to represent this university with my teammates and coaches, and I look forward to continuing to compete and further my education at this great place that has given me so much.” ”
Last October, Sargent teed up at the World Amateur Team Championship in Abu Dhabi, earning 20 points in the accelerated program and earning his PGA Tour card. Sargent remains the only player with this many points since the tour introduced the program two years ago.
He may have the speed and pedigree to suggest the 21-year-old is ready for the professional stage, but the decision wasn’t easy to make.
“There’s not going to be a perfect answer,” Sargent told NBC Sports. “I think I realized how much I enjoy playing college golf after participating in a few college events in the spring. After considering it with my parents, coaches, and the team as a whole, I decided it was best for me. It seemed like I could stay in Nashville and get even better.”
He won the NCAA individual title as a freshman in 2021. Sargent was also the first NCAA champion to earn an invitation to the Masters last year. The Birmingham, Alabama, native made his way onto one of golf’s biggest stages, finishing as a low amateur at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.
His strong record in 2023 didn’t end there. Sargent’s perfect 4-0 record led Team USA to victory in the Walker Cup at St. Andrews. He also won the McCormack Medal as No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the summer. This achievement earned Sargent a spot in this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst and British Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Sargent finally won his first championship during his junior campaign at Vanderbilt’s home tournament, the Mason Rudolph Championship. This is his fifth top 10 finish this year.
Now that he has made his decision and knows his PGA Tour card is secured, Sargent can enjoy playing golf.
“I think there were a lot of expectations this year,” Sargent said. “I think you should stay one more year, go into your senior year, and just enjoy your college life. Also, you know that your PGA Tour card is still waiting for you, so if you need to make changes or whatever. It gives me a lot of freedom to continue to grow off the golf course and prepare for the future.”
Once his eligibility expires, Sargent will be eligible for PGA Tour membership in May 2025 after the NCAA Championship. He will retain full status through the 2026 season.
Vanderbilt heads to the SEC Championship Tournament at Sea Island, where they are probably the team to beat. After conference play, they will likely also be the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Regionals.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
