Amateur Golfer Clanton Eyes PGA Tour Card Amid Pressure

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. — Florida State junior golfer, Nick Clanton, is on the brink of securing his PGA Tour membership at this week’s tournament. The 21-year-old amateur aims to make the cut at the PGA National, demonstrating resilience amidst the competitive landscape of professional golf.

With a history of impressive performances against seasoned professionals, Clanton has proven he can keep his nerves in check. Last year, he tied for 41st at the U.S. Open and achieved consecutive top-10 finishes at the Rocket Mortgage Classic (T10) and John Deere Classic (T2) — a first for an amateur since 1958. He further showcased his talent with a fifth-place finish at the Wyndham Championship and a T2 at The RSM Classic.

In the current season, Clanton has recorded mixed results, including two missed cuts at the Sony Open and WM Phoenix Open, but managed to secure a T15 finish at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Reflecting on the importance of the opportunity to clinch his tour card in his home state, Clanton expressed enthusiasm. ‘Yeah, it would mean the world for sure. To do it here, as well, would be amazing. An amazing journey, I guess you could say,’ he stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, ‘I think I’m going to be boring with this answer yet again, but just to kind of stay focused on one shot at a time.’

Clanton acknowledged a setback at the WM Phoenix Open, where he carded a 74 in the first round before bouncing back with a 67. However, his attempts fell short, leading to a missed cut at 1-under. ‘It didn’t go my way that week, and you can look at it as a failure, but I look at it as learning,’ he said, expressing a commitment to staying present and focused.

While his primary goal is to make the cut, Clanton seeks to flip his mindset from mere survival to competitive performance. ‘Everyone is trying to stay to make the cut, but I want to play well. I want to try to go out and play the best I can,’ he said.

Familiarity with the PGA National Champion Course gives Clanton confidence, estimating he has played there ‘probably 40 times.’ ‘I’m excited to play the best golf I can,’ he remarked, adding, ‘Like we say, if it’s my time, it’s my time, but we’ll see.’