Luke Clanton’s Journey from College Star to Professional Golfer

CARLSBAD, California — Just two weeks ago, Luke Clanton, a junior at Florida State University, completed his last collegiate golf tournament at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Championships.

The tournament was held at Omni La Costa, where the Seminoles fell short of the top eight by one stroke, just missing the chance for match play. Clanton finished his final round with a score of 76, 4-over-par.

Despite the disappointment, Luke’s journey in golf has been remarkable. Introduced to the sport by his father, David, at the age of three, Luke quickly developed a passion for the game. “If you were to ask me way back when we started this journey, I always thought he’s going to make it,” David said.

Luke won his first U.S. Kids World Championship at age 11 and his first American Junior Golf Association tournament at age 13. His mother, Rhonda, recalled him confidently stating at 13 that he was destined for a professional career.

After attending American Heritage High School, where he led his team to three state championships, Clanton joined FSU’s golf team. Throughout his college career, he set a series of records, including being the first Seminole to win three consecutive tournaments.

Tragically, his sophomore season ended abruptly when he lost the deciding match in the NCAA tournament to Auburn. However, this challenge helped him grow. In 2024, he qualified for the U.S. Open as an amateur and made the cut, gaining invaluable experience.

Summer 2024 marked a turning point for Clanton. His performance in multiple PGA events solidified his reputation as a skilled player. “It was humbling to see him compete at that level and look like he belongs,” David said of his son’s progression.

His mental game improved significantly during this time. Rhonda noted, “His mental game became so much stronger… He grew in his faith, which gives you a calmness inside you.” This mindset allowed him to play freely, leading to him winning the Ben Hogan Award and securing his PGA TOUR Card on February 28 during the Cognizant Classic.

Clanton’s immediate future looks bright as he transitions into the professional circuit. He made his professional debut at the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto, pairing with top players Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Åberg. Clanton finished the event 1-under-par after the first two rounds but did not make the cut.

Despite the setback, his parents remain proud of his achievements. “We’re proud of what he’s succeeded in and how he’s played… but I’m just proud of what a good human being he is,” Rhonda said.

Though his college career has ended, the journey for Luke Clanton as a professional golfer is just beginning.