'I played on the PGA Tour with Rory McIlroy – I didn't get to sleep very much'
Luke Clanton made a solid impression on his professional PGA Tour debut, sharing that hitting the links with Rory McIlroy on his maiden round meant he lost out on sleep due to nerves.
By being placed in a group with the likes of McIlroy and Swedish star Ludvig Aberg at the Canadian Open, the 21-year-old proved just how highly he's thought of in the game.
Having sharpened his skills at Florida State University and earned his tour card via the PGA Tour University Accelerated programme, Clanton has already caused ripples on the circuit with four amateur top-10s and by clinching second place at the John Deere Classic and the RSM Classic.
Post his third year at FSU, Clanton pounced at the chance for a PGA Tour card and embarked on his pro journey at TPC Toronto, where, after shaking off an initial nervous start and three bogeys, he struck an even-par 70, nudging ahead of McIlroy by a single stroke.
It was undoubtedly a red-letter day for Clanton, who is no stranger to acclaim, having held the title of world No. 1 amateur. "I don't know if you really call this work," Clanton said when asked about his first round as a pro. "I mean, we play golf for a living, and it's amazing.
"What a group we had and what an experience we had. Me and my caddie were having a blast out there, so it was a lot of fun. I hit it really well and putted it really good. Just a few [poor] tee shots here and there, but it was good."
He added: "Being paired with Rory is no joke. 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.
"Didn't sleep very much. I was playing with Rory ... I've never experienced anything like that. It was so cool to meet Rory and play with him and be out there with Ludvig as well, two great ball strikers. First pro start with Rory McIlroy, it's definitely a day to remember."
Clanton bounced back from his rocky start and impressively recovered. Starting with a remarkable eagle at the 18th hole, a par-five, he then found his footing, securing a birdie at the fifth.
As the day progressed, Clanton had opportunities to dip under par but ultimately ended with an even 70. This leaves him tied for 74th, with his position likely to change as the remaining players complete their rounds.
"I said to my caddie, the range session, putting, chipping, everything felt fine, even walking up to the first tee, shaking [McIlroy's] hand, everything felt fine," he added.
"Once I took that club back, I couldn't feel it. So it was a new experience for sure. It's cool to be thrown in the fire right away, so it's awesome."
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