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'The Tiger Woods of my Life:' Luke Clanton Overwhelmed at Canadian Open
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Two of the most highly anticipated PGA Tour debuts happened this week at the RBC Canadian Open.
Luke Clanton and Gordon Sargent are both in the field making their first starts as professionals. The two youngsters captured the world's attention throughout the last year and now they are no longer amateur phenoms but two more names on Tour.
"Didn't sleep very much," Clanton said after his round Thursday.
It was not the pressure or excitement to make his debut, but his playing partner.
"Being paired with Rory [McIlroy] is no joke," he explained. "The crowds are amazing. Watching him hit drivers and iron shots, it's cool. I watched him growing up my whole life, so I guess you could say he's like the Tiger Woods of my life, and it's really cool."
To start your career on the PGA Tour in a group with one of the best to ever play and another young phenom is quite the entrance.
"First pro start with Rory McIlroy, it's definitely a day to remember," Clanton said.
CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 05: Luke Clanton of the United States looks on from the 18th green during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June...
CALEDON, ONTARIO - JUNE 05: Luke Clanton of the United States looks on from the 18th green during the first round of the RBC Canadian Open 2025 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 05, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario. More
Photo byTo cap it off, the 21-year-old even recorded a better score than his idol as Clanton signed for an even par 70 for his first round as a PGA Tour professional. McIlroy shot a 71.
As for Sargent, he was not among the bigger groupings, so it was not as intimidating for him, but there were still some emotions there.
"Some nerves and excitement. Nice to tee off early, to not have to sit around all day and wait," Sargent said on Thursday. "I was definitely nervous, but happy with how I kind of hung in there."
Sargent opened with a 1-over 71 at the RBC Canadian Open.
The former Vanderbilt standout was the first player to earn the 20 points through the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program. He did it in October of 2023, but decided to stay for his senior year.
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Gordon Sargent hitting driver sounds different. The 22-year-old's ball speed with his driver typically falls in the 185-190 mph range. — SCOREGolf (@SCOREGolf) June 5, 2025
This year, Clanton became the second player to earn his card with the Acclerated Program by making the cut at the Cognizant Classic in March.
He took the world by storm and quickly earned his 20 points with his incredible play as an amateur on the PGA Tour. Last year he made eight starts and had two runner up finishes, four top 10s and only missed one cut.
They are not the only two college guys who make their professional debut this week in Canada. So to did David Ford, who finished atop the PGA Tour University rankings this season, like Ludvig Åberg did in 2023.
"Puts a really good roll on it."
David Ford on his Timeless Tourtype SSS before he tees up for his first PGA TOUR start today at the RBC Canadian Open. His full WITB: — Scotty Cameron (@ScottyCameron) June 5, 2025
Ford recently won the Fred Haskins Award and was a Ben Hogan Award finalist. He won an impressive five times during his senior season which shot him up the rankings and helped earn him his PGA Tour card.
The former Tar Heel posted an even-par 70 to begin his PGA Tour career.
"It's such a blessing. I'm pumped to be out here and making my first start with my card," Ford said. "Obviously not the day I wanted, but a lot of positives."
How will their first week on the PGA Tour go? Will they all make the cut or will their weekend end early?
For Round 2 of the RBC Canadian Open, Clanton tees off with McIlroy and Åberg at 12:55 p.m. ET, Sargent's group is off at 1:50 p.m. and Ford's tees off in the morning wave at 8:46 a.m.
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