Luke Clanton Shares Excitement Calling Rory McIlroy the “Tiger Woods of His Life” After Being Paired in the First Round at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open
In a moment that will likely define the early chapters of his professional golf career, Luke Clanton, the former Florida State standout and newly minted PGA TOUR professional, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm after being paired with Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Åberg for the opening round of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The 20-year-old, making his professional debut, described McIlroy as the “Tiger Woods of his life,” a nod to the profound impact the world No. 2 has had on his journey in golf. The pairing, which took place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, marked a dream come true for Clanton, who has long admired McIlroy’s prowess and presence in the sport.
Clanton’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. As an amateur, he made waves in 2024, becoming the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1961 to record three or more top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR in a single year. His standout performances included runner-up finishes at the John Deere Classic and The RSM Classic, showcasing his ability to compete with the game’s elite. These achievements earned him a PGA TOUR card through the PGA TOUR University Accelerated program, a testament to his rapid rise in the golfing world. Now, stepping onto the professional stage, Clanton found himself teeing off alongside McIlroy, a two-time RBC Canadian Open champion and recent Masters winner, who completed his career Grand Slam in April 2025.
The RBC Canadian Open, a historic event dating back to 1904 and the third-oldest tournament on the PGA TOUR, provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone in Clanton’s career. The tournament, held at the North Course at TPC Toronto for the first time, drew a strong field despite its position just one week before the U.S. Open. McIlroy, a +450 favorite to claim his third Canadian Open title, has long used the event as a tune-up for the year’s third major. His track record in Canada is impeccable, with victories in 2019 and 2022, and top-10 finishes in all four of his previous starts. For Clanton, sharing the fairways with McIlroy was an opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greats while showcasing his own potential.
Clanton’s admiration for McIlroy was evident in his pre-tournament press conference, where he delivered a heartfelt statement thanking his family, coaches, and teammates for their support. Reflecting on his pairing with McIlroy, Clanton recalled watching the Northern Irishman hit balls at the Masters earlier this year as a spectator, noting the “different” sound of his clubface. “He’s the guy I looked up to growing up,” Clanton said. “To me, he’s like Tiger Woods was to so many others. To be out here playing with him in my first event as a pro—it’s surreal.” The comparison to Woods, a 15-time major champion and one of golf’s most iconic figures, underscores the reverence Clanton holds for McIlroy, who at 36 continues to dominate the sport.
On the course, Clanton held his own, carding an impressive 2-under 70 in the opening round, a score that kept him competitive among the star-studded field. McIlroy, known for his prodigious driving and elite iron play, set the pace for the group, while Åberg, the 2023 PGA TOUR University No. 1, added to the firepower of the trio. The grouping drew significant attention from fans and media alike, with Clanton’s debut generating buzz as a potential turning point for the young American. Posts on X captured the excitement, with one user calling the matchup “a golf clash for the ages,” highlighting the contrast between McIlroy’s established stardom and Clanton’s emerging talent.
The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on McIlroy, who praised the PGA TOUR University program for nurturing talents like Clanton. “I think this program is so good,” McIlroy said. “If it was up to me, I’d give the college kids five or 10 spots on TOUR instead of just one. To see Luke and his peers take advantage of this opportunity and play well, it’s awesome.” McIlroy’s own journey, supported by his parents’ sacrifices, mirrors Clanton’s, whose mother worked as a flight attendant and homeschooled him while his father balanced multiple jobs to fund his golfing dreams.
For Clanton, the RBC Canadian Open is more than just a debut; it’s a chance to prove he belongs among the game’s elite. His emotional connection to the sport, coupled with his undeniable talent, has already drawn comparisons to young stars like Jordan Spieth, who also made an early mark on the PGA TOUR. With odds of +3500 to win the tournament, Clanton is seen as a longshot, but his performance in the opening round suggests he could defy expectations. As he walked off the 18th green, the roar of the Canadian crowd and the presence of McIlroy beside him served as a reminder of how far he’s come—and how far he might yet go.
The 2025 RBC Canadian Open, with its $9.8 million purse and a field featuring major champions like Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, and defending champion Robert MacIntyre, continues to be a stage for both established stars and rising talents. For Clanton, the opportunity to share the spotlight with McIlroy is a moment he’ll carry forward, a spark that could ignite a career destined for greatness. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether this young star can continue to shine in the shadow of his idol.