Two of the top amateurs in the world could earn their PGA Tour cards at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open.
Luke Clanton, No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and No. 2 Jackson Koivun are teeing it up this week at Torrey Pines in San Diego (where the tournament has a Wednesday to Saturday format) and they’ve got a lot to play for. Both Clanton, a junior at Florida State, and Koivun, a sophomore at Auburn, could leave La Jolla on Saturday having locked up professional status.
The reason? The duo each have 17 points in the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, which awards Tour cards for collegiate amateurs able to get to 20 points based of specific criteria. In past years, neither of them would be able to get three points this week, but a rule change makes it possible.
For Clanton and Koivun to reach 20 points, they’d have to first make the cut, giving them one point. Then they could earn more points based on finish. Finishing in the top 10 of a PGA Tour event is worth one point. A top-five finish is good for two points.
So if Clanton or Koivun were to make the cut then finish in the top 5, it would mean locking up a PGA Tour card, then the choice is theirs on when to turn professional.
For Koivun, it’s unlikely to see him turn professional right away. The reigning Haskins, Hogan and Nicklaus Award winner doesn’t plan to leave college soon, Skratch’s Dan Rapaport reported this week.
Gordon Sargent, a senior at Vanderbilt, was the first player to earn 20 points via PGA Tour U Accelerated. He did so the fall of his junior year, but he decided to forego turning pro and return to play one last year with the Commodores. He’ll join the PGA Tour after his season ends in May.
For Clanton, who has a pair of runner-up finishes on the PGA Tour since last summer, there’s a better chance he makes the decision to turn pro after his junior year. Even if he doesn’t get the three points this week to reach 20, he’s a virtual lock to win the Hogan Award, which is awarded to the top amateur over the last 12 months in college, amateur and professional events. The Hogan is worth three points.
Koivun is also likely to earn his points by the end of 2025. He’s a virtual lock to make the U.S. Walker Cup team in September, which is worth two points. The same stands for the Arnold Palmer Cup team this summer, which is worth a point. Those two events themselves would get him to the 20-point threshold.
Torrey Pines is one of the best tournaments each year on the PGA Tour schedule. And for the two amateurs in the field, there’s plenty on the line as they chase a PGA Tour card.
Earning a PGA Tour card is a dream for many amateur golfers, but it can seem like an impossible goal for those who haven’t been playing at a professional level for years. However, with dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach, it is possible for two amateurs to earn PGA Tour cards.
Here are some steps that two amateurs could take to increase their chances of earning PGA Tour cards:
1. Improve your game: Both amateurs should focus on improving their skills through consistent practice, lessons with a professional coach, and playing in competitive tournaments. They should work on all aspects of their game, including driving, putting, chipping, and mental toughness.
2. Compete in amateur tournaments: Both amateurs should compete in as many amateur tournaments as possible to gain experience and improve their competitive skills. Winning or placing high in these tournaments can also help them gain recognition and increase their chances of being noticed by PGA Tour scouts.
3. Qualify for PGA Tour events: Both amateurs should try to qualify for PGA Tour events through pre-qualifying tournaments or Monday qualifiers. This will give them the opportunity to compete against professional golfers and showcase their skills on a bigger stage.
4. Seek sponsorship or financial support: Earning a PGA Tour card can be a costly endeavor, so both amateurs should seek sponsorship or financial support to help cover the costs of travel, entry fees, and equipment. This can alleviate some of the financial burden and allow them to focus more on their game.
5. Network and build relationships: Both amateurs should network with PGA Tour players, coaches, and officials to learn more about the professional golf world and gain valuable insights and advice. Building relationships with key figures in the industry can also open doors and opportunities for them to showcase their talent.
By following these steps and staying committed to their goals, two amateurs could increase their chances of earning PGA Tour cards and living out their dreams of playing at the highest level of professional golf. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, anything is possible in the world of golf.
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