“It’s just not my time, man,” said Luke Clanton, the topper in the amateur world ranking. He might have struggled to get the PGA Tour card but has not left the path to redeem it which led to him starting off similar to Tiger Woods. The 21-year-old golfer has been on a great roll with his performance on the amateur circuit. After winning three amateur titles in 2022, he has secured the top position and has been no.1 since then.

However, the PGA Tour card opportunity at the Phoenix Open went down the drain after the 18th hole miss in the second round. He missed the cut and even missed the opportunity to get the PGA Tour card. Despite the setback, he said, “I’m going to keep walking in my faith, man. The Lord has a plan for me, and I’m going to keep understanding that.”

Well, before he knocks on that opportunity, he will be seen walking the same path as Woods. The Big Cat went pro in ‘96 and locked in that Nike bag the same year. He sported the Swoosh through 27 years of G.O.A.T. moments till 2023. Now, Clanton just dropped a hint on IG, and fans are thinking, same vibes incoming?

The golfer shared a video of his journey from a toddler to 21 years old, which had the moment of him playing golf as a youngster and achieving great. Aside from the journey, there was one constant thing: it was Nike apparel that Clanton wore. Even the caption stated similarly. As he wrote, “It’s time. @nike.”

This is a sign that Nike is signing him for his upcoming journey as a professional. However, there isn’t any official update shared about the deal. Apart from the deal, whether will he start his career as a professional is also a question that is still unanswered after his 19 appearances on the PGA Tour. Well, he still has another try to make the dream into reality.

Luke Clanton’s next attempt to become a professional

“Not a lot of 21-year-olds can say that, and I’m going to be blessed in my position and understand that my time will come,” said Luke Clanton. The positive and persistent effort to reach his goals has another opportunity.

With the upcoming Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, he got a sponsor exemption to participate. The event will tee off from 27th February with some top names including, Billy Horschel and Russell Henley. This will be his fourth tour at the start of the season. Until now he has 19 PGA Tour University Accelerated points and for the PGA Tour card, he needs a 20-point threshold. Well, looking at his past finishes, he was T15 at the Farmers Insurance Open and was a runner twice in 2024. The possibility is huge for the golfer.

If with his 20th appearance at the PGA Tour, he makes the cut, he will be eligible for the PGA Tour membership after his junior season at Florida State. Will he make the cut at Cognizant Classic? What are your thoughts on it? Let us know in the comments below.