Clanton missed a birdie putt on his last hole Friday at TPC Scottsdale, falling a shot short of making the WM Phoenix Open cut and earning a PGA Tour card through PGA Tour University.

It's inevitable that he'll secure his Tour card soon, but Clanton's late-day drama gave Friday's second round some added intrigue.

Thanks to the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, Clanton is just two points away from getting full status on the tour. Well, technically one, as he will earn credit for reaching his 26th week as World. No. 1 amateur on Wednesday. And the final point can be captured by reaching the weekend at TPC Scottsdale.

Clanton is competing on a sponsor invite, and this relatively simple task would give him enough PGA Tour University Accelerated points to take up membership this summer.

Ahead of the WM Phoenix Open, Luke Clanton talked about why Scottie Scheffler is one of his idols. Cameron Jourdan

The WM Phoenix Open claimed several high-profile victims after the first two rounds, with a handful of big names failing to make it to the weekend at TPC Scottsdale. However, while most will be able to shrug off the disappointment before preparing for the next appearance in their schedules,

Watch highlights from Luke Clanton's second round at the PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open, which saw him miss his PGA Tour card by less than an inch, and hear from the amateur who's disappointed but knows his moment will come.

Only one player, Vanderbilt senior Gordon Sargent, has reached the 20-point threshold since the program started. He did so the fall of his junior year and decided to return and play his senior year. He'll turn pro and join the PGA Tour after the NCAA Championship in May.

Luke Clanton Puts Up Brave Face After Losing Out on a PGA Tour Card by Inches appeared first on EssentiallySports.