Luke Clanton looking for second top ten finish in a row on the PGA Tour
06 Jul 2024
by Justin Golba of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Luke Clanton Rankings
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Luke Clanton (PGA of America Photo)
The impressive summer play on the PGA Tour continues for
Luke Clanton at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., as Clanton is currently T6 and 16-under heading into the final round.
Clanton has shot rounds of 63-67-67 to get to 16-under, five shots back of leader Davis Thompson. He recorded five birdies and one bogey and is No. 7 in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green.
Clanton was the golfer who participated in the walk along with CBS during the third round.
"This is unbelievable," Clanton said to the CBS Sports broadcast. "I am not going to lie to you. I am still a little kid basically watching these guys play golf. I look up to these dudes, and to actually play with them and watch them in person hit golf shots is pretty nuts. I am still trying to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.
Clanton also discussed recent amateurs' success on the PGA Tour and how guys are winning so quickly.
"It's tough to win in college," Clanton said. "It's brutal. There are 25 guys who can win all the time. The way that we practice, we have prepared so well after the last two years. How to manage your time and not over practice like I usually do and enjoy the moment."
He has gotten advice from Scottie Scheffler and Florida State alumni Brooks Koepka. He credited his team at Florida State with his progression and competitive spirit.
"It is fun to be around those guys all day and practice the way we do and get better," Clanton said.
The other two amateurs in the field missed the cut, with Jackson Buchanan shooting 4-under and missing the cut by one shot with rounds of 70-68, and Anders Larson shot 24-over with rounds of 80-86.
Clanton will tee off at 12:15 p.m. ET with Carson Young and Michael Thorbjornsen, who recently earned his TOUR card through winning the PGA Tour University.
PREVIEW
For the second summer in a row, Anders Larson earned a spot in the John Deere Classic through Monday Qualifying at Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Ill. The John Deere Classic will be played at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.
Larson, a rising sophomore at Tennessee Tech University, made it through a 4-for-2 playoff with a birdie on the first playoff hole to earn the final spot in the field.
"I had a lot of confidence coming through playing the same course, knowing that some of my best stuff could get me through," Larson said. "The vibes at Pinnacle (Country Club) are great, the members are great, and I love the golf course. It is very comfortable, like the course I play back home."
Joshua Creel won the qualifier at 7-under and Chase Johnson finished in solo second place at 6-under. Larson, Blake Hathcoat, Michael VanSickle, and Jack Sparrow all played in the 4-for-2 playoff after finishing T3 at 5-under, with Larson and Hathcoat moving on.
Larson has recently played well at Pinnacle, shooting a 5-under bogey-free round in the pre-qualifier.
"It was nice to know that I just had to go out and do the same thing," Larson said.
Larson is a three-time qualifier for the Minnesota State Amateur Championships, highlighted by medalist honors in 2021.
In 2023, Larson missed the cut at 12-over but shot an impressive 1-over 72 in the first round, so a second go at it could make a difference.
"Last year, it was about getting used to it and enjoying the experience. hopefully, the golf is there, but if not, I still have the experience," Larson said. "This year, it is about focusing on golf a little more."
Larson will join fellow amateurs Luke Clanton and Jackson Buchanan in the field, who are in with sponsor exemptions. Clanton is ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings, and both golfers played in the U.S. Open in June.
Larson will tee off at 9:46 a.m. ET on Thursday with Jimmy Stanger and recently turned pro and former Stanford standout Michael Thorbjornsen.