The WM Phoenix Open claimed several high-profile victims after the first two rounds, with a handful of big names failing to make it to the weekend at TPC Scottsdale.
However, while most will be able to shrug off the disappointment before preparing for the next appearance in their schedules, for one unlucky player, it will hurt that bit more as competitors tee it up in the third and fourth rounds.
There was much riding on making the weekend for World No.1 amateur Luke Clanton. That’s because the Florida State University junior, who was appearing on a sponsor’s exemption, needed to reach the weekend to guarantee a life-changing PGA Tour card. It wasn’t to be, though, as he agnozingly missed out by one shot.
Even more galling for the 21-year-old was that he had given himself a brilliant chance to get over the line on the last hole.
Clanton had a mountain to climb after his 74 in the first round, but he rallied superbly on Friday, particularly on the back nine with four birdies. That set him up for a date with destiny on the 18th.
After finding the green in two, Clanton faced an 18-foot birdie putt to make the weekend and secure his PGA Tour card. However, his putt failed to break right and instead rolled past the hole. Clanton’s reaction said it all, as he placed his hands over his face in disappointment. He then finished for par to card a 67 for the round and one-under for the tournament – just a shot short of making the cut.
Delayed not denied. Amateur Luke Clanton needed a birdie to potentially make the cut and earn a final@PGATOURU Accelerated point, the @FSUGolf junior came up just short on No. 18. pic.twitter.com/K1xu0gSVVmFebruary 8, 2025
Clanton was in the running for a PGA Tour card thanks to the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, which awards points based on players’ accomplishments in college, amateur and professional tournaments.
Clanton needed just one more point to reach the threshold of 20, having earned his 19th earlier in the week when he made it to 26 weeks at the top of the the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Another point at the WM Phoenix Open would have handed him a PGA Tour card after the spring season.
The good news is that it likely won’t be long until Clanton, who finished T2 in November's RSM Classic, has another chance to reach the magic number, with more sponsor’s exemptions to tournaments likely coming has way in the near future.
While he’ll have to wait for his chance, Clanton was philosophical about his situation following his second round, saying: “It’s just not my time, man,” before adding: “We thought about the cut from 14 on basically. But it's not going to change the way I roll it. It's not going to change the way I read it.
“It was a great day today. I had a blast. I put up a great fight. I had to make five birdies in my last eight holes and put four up and had a great chance on 18. It's tough. It's hard to take. But again, I'm going to walk in my faith and keep understanding that it's not my time.”
