Luke Clanton (PGA Tour Photo)

The rising junior at Florida State recently made the cut at the U.S. Open, finished T10 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and now, T2 at the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. He finished T2 and 24-under alongside C.T. Pan and Michael Thorbjornsen, who recently earned his Tour card thanks to finishing atop the PGA Tour University standings.

Clanton recorded rounds of 63-67-67-63 to get to an incredible 24-under. He finished the week No. 2 in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach to Green and No. 6 in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. He finished four-shots back of winner Davis Thompson.

He birdied four of his last five holes in his final round and shot a 30 on his back nine. Clanton is currently ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.

“It’s unbelievable,” Clanton told Amanda Balionis of CBS Sports. “I didn't start hot on the front nine, and I looked at my caddie and said, ‘Let's have a great back nine.’

"I started making more putts," Clanton told Balionis about his finish. "It has been amazing the last couple of weeks, just because of being in the last couple of groups and having a chance to win a major. That is what we dream of and look forward to, and it has been unbelievable."

He also got emotional talking about his parents and what they have done for him in his journey.

"Seeing my dad and my mom there and the amount of work they put in for me to be in the position I am in now, I am just excited to give them a hug," Clanton said.

Clanton was the golfer who participated in the walk along with CBS during the third round.

"This is unbelievable," Clanton said to the CBS Sports broadcast. "I am not going to lie to you. I am still a little kid basically watching these guys play golf. I look up to these dudes, and to actually play with them and watch them in person hit golf shots is pretty nuts. I am still trying to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming." 

Clanton also discussed recent amateurs' success on the PGA Tour and how guys are winning so quickly. 

"It's tough to win in college," Clanton said. "It's brutal. There are 25 guys who can win all the time. The way that we practice, we have prepared so well after the last two years. How to manage your time and not over practice like I usually do and enjoy the moment." 

He had a chance to qualify for the Open Championship next week, but C.T. Pan earned the final spot due to his Official World Golf Ranking. Clanton will play in the ISCO Championship next week and the 3M championship in the following week.