Luke Clanton is still an amateur, but he plays, acts and behaves like a professional golfer. And with one more top-five finish this week at the Farmers Insurance Open, he could do just that.
Clanton scored 17 points in the game. PGA Tour Accelerated Programawards points to top collegiate players based on performance in collegiate, amateur, and professional golf events. Those who earn a total of 20 points by the end of their junior year will automatically receive a PGA Tour card.
Still a junior, Clanton is currently the top-ranked amateur in the world with five points.
When an amateur competes in a PGA Tour event, DP World Tour event, or major championship, they earn one point for qualifying. Earn extra points for finishing in the top 10 and more points for finishing in the top 5.
So Clanton would earn three points and earn a PGA Tour card if he finished in the top five at Torrey Pines.
He was in excellent position midway through the second round when PGA Tour officials suspended play due to wind gusts of 35 mph. But unlike many other fields, the Santa Ana winds didn't phase into Clanton on Thursday. of florida The Seminoles were tied for third place at 3 under after 10 holes when the horn rang. No one else posted anything lower than that.
Clanton shot a 2-under 70 on the first day, giving him a total of 5 under at the time of his suspension. If he continues to play well, he will likely lose his PGA Tour card.
He has previously recorded top-five finishes, the last time being at the RSM Classic in November. He also finished fifth at the Wyndham Championship last August and finished T-2 at the John Deere Classic a few weeks earlier.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Follow him on X @jack_milko.
