Living the Dream, Tee to Green
At just 21, Luke Clanton’s pro debut wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a dream come true. Paired with his idol Rory McIlroy at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, the former college standout admitted he barely slept before the round. “Oh yeah, I was playing with Rory,” he beamed, calling the experience “definitely a day to remember.”
“Like Tiger Woods of My Life”
Clanton grew up watching McIlroy, and playing alongside him made the nerves, noise, and expectations feel surreal. “He’s like the Tiger Woods of my life,” he said, visibly starstruck. Despite shooting a 70 in Round 1 to sit T78, Clanton didn’t mind. “It was so cool,” he said about the first tee shot and the moment that truly introduced him to the PGA Tour.
Not Just Rory—Fanboying Over Aberg Too
Clanton also praised Ludvig Aberg, his third partner in the marquee group. He remembered watching Aberg go 5-under at the RSM Classic and said, “It’s kind of surreal… we were fan-boying a little bit.” Despite the praise, Clanton’s game also turned heads—especially after hitting a low-flying 9-iron that even Aberg called “crazy.”
McIlroy and Aberg Both See the Spark
While Clanton soaked in every moment, his idols noticed his game too. McIlroy admitted he looked forward to seeing the rookie up close, and Aberg acknowledged Clanton’s ball-striking skills firsthand. That mutual respect gave Clanton a rare kind of confidence boost, especially as he tries to blend admiration with ambition.
More Than Just a Fanboy?
Clanton may gush over legends, but he’s not here just for selfies. He’s a two-time runner-up already and the 2025 Ben Hogan Award winner. If he keeps learning fast and swinging free, the “fanboy” label might not stick for long. Instead, the golf world may soon be fanboying over him.
So—is Clanton just living the dream, or becoming the dream others will chase? Time, and his swing, will tell.