The RBC Canadian Open has put together one of the week’s most exciting groups, with Luke Clanton set to play his first two rounds alongside Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg.
Clanton, who has made a strong showing on the PGA Tour in amateur events, is getting his first professional start this week. At 21, he’s already drawn a lot of attention, and tournament organisers seem eager to keep it that way by pairing him with two of the game’s top stars.
McIlroy returns to action for the first time since the PGA Championship, while Aberg continues to build on a breakout season. With both players in strong form, Clanton’s debut group has plenty of anticipation.
Luke Clanton recognises McIlroy and Scheffler’s dominance
Despite McIlroy’s Masters win that completed his career Grand Slam, recent headlines have focused on Scottie Scheffler.
The world number one has won three of his last four starts, most recently taking the Memorial Tournament by four shots. Clanton was asked what stands out to him about both players as he gets ready to share the course with one of them.
“I think what Scottie and Rory do so well is, when they’re coming down that final stretch to win a golf event, they know how to handle themselves well,” Clanton said.
“They’ve been in that moment multiple, multiple times now obviously. It’s just amazing to see what they do. I think Scottie and Rory are icons of this game, and to be playing against Rory this week is pretty cool.
“Again, in similar ways, I’m still learning. I don’t know how I’m similar to them yet, even if I am or not, but I know that I’m a pretty good golfer, and I know I’ve got a good mentality and it will hold me strong throughout my career.”
Clanton on what sets Scottie Scheffler apart
Scheffler’s win at Muirfield Village stood out not just for the margin but for the way he controlled the tournament without ever seeming to push too hard. Late birdies on Saturday gave him a lead he never gave up — a pattern that’s become familiar during his recent run.
Clanton noted another part of Scheffler’s game that might go overlooked.
“I think what they do so well is their emotions never get too high or too low,” he said. “Again, Scottie, last week at Memorial, if you watched him play, threw one fist pump, and he was leading the event. He was so locked in on what he was doing. I’m a massive golf fan, so I watched the whole back nine obviously.
“He hit it great. He gained like 15 shots off the field in irons. That’s unbelievable. He’s just different right now. That’s it. Pretty plain and simple.”
The post Luke Clanton reveals what stands out about Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy before his pro debut appeared first on HITC.
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