Gordon Sargent, the world's top amateur golfer, has stunned the golfing world by turning down a golden opportunity to join the PGA Tour, opting instead to continue his education at Vanderbilt University until next year.
The 21 year old prodigy has decided to forgo the chance to turn professional immediately, despite securing a PGA Tour card through the prestigious PGA Tour University program. Sargent is setting his sights on another NCAA season rather than hitting the pro circuit this June.
The rare decision is one that is likely to set the chiefs over at Saudi-backed LIV Golf on red alert, given one of the hottest emerging prospects in the world of golf is still available for offers.
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Sargent, who showcased his talents at the Masters and the US Open in 2023, will delay his professional debut by a year. When he eventually joins the tour, he'll have a guaranteed spot until the end of the 2026 season.
"Was kind of hoping a decision would come clear and obviously there's not going to be a perfect answer," Sargent confessed to Golf Channel.
"But I was weighing my options and I mean, after just playing a few college events in the spring, I think you really appreciate how much you enjoy college golf. After reviewing with my parents, coaches and team-wise, it just kind of seemed like it was the best thing for me. I could stay in Nashville and continue to get better."
"I think there were a lot of expectations this year, and we're looking forward to the postseason, but I think just staying another year, being a senior, enjoying the college life and while also knowing, I mean knowing there's a PGA Tour card still waiting for you, it gives you a lot of freedom if you need to make some changes and stuff.
"Then off the golf course, just continue to mature as a person and just better prepare myself for the future."
Undoubtedly, LIV Golf will be keeping an eye on the situation. Despite Sargent pledging his loyalty to the PGA Tour, he hasn't definitively ruled out other paths, and seems like a perfect match for the Saudi-backed breakaway leagues recruitment agenda.
LIV has primarily targeted well-established players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Importantly, though, they haven't overlooked gifted amateurs such as Legion XIII teammate Caleb Surratt, whom they signed in January.
Earlier in the year PGA Tour pin-up Rory McIlroy warned the world of golf that the division between the PGA Tour and LIV was unhealthy, while sharing his theory that it would reduce viewing figures and put players in a position where they would consider switching codes to LIV.
"Ultimately [LIV Golf] do have some of the best players in the world that are playing some really good golf," McIlroy had told ESPN.
Sargent expressed to the PGA Tour website that he aimed to relish the remainder of his time in college golf, with professional golf being a more solitary endeavour. His decision contrasts markedly with Nick Dunlap, who turned professional after his impressive win at The American Express.
"If you talk to anybody who's played college golf, they really do say it's the best time of your life," Sargent said. "He [Dunlap] definitely misses college a little bit, hanging out with teammates and stuff. Pro golf is definitely a different animal."
"He definitely loves the situation he's in, but I think anyone you talk to on the PGA Tour would say the more time you have to prep before you get to the Tour, then the better off you're going to be."
