Former FSU Golf Star Offers Advice to Incoming Recruits

Luke Clanton shares wisdom with future Seminoles Charlie Woods and Miles Russell

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former Florida State golf star Luke Clanton recently sat down for an interview and shared advice for high-profile incoming recruits Charlie Woods and Miles Russell. Clanton, who played in several PGA events while still in college, emphasized the importance of enjoying the college experience and supporting each other as teammates. He also praised the talent of fellow former Seminole Tyler Weaver, who he believes will soon make waves in the golf world.

Why it matters

The additions of Woods and Russell have generated significant buzz around the Florida State golf program, as they could form one of the best college golf recruiting classes ever. Clanton's perspective as a former star player provides valuable insight for the incoming recruits on navigating the high expectations and media attention that comes with their profiles.

The details

In the interview, Clanton advised Woods and Russell to "enjoy it" and "fight for" each other as teammates, rather than getting too caught up in the pressure to turn pro after a short time. He also highlighted the talent of former teammate Tyler Weaver, who he believes is poised for a breakout. Clanton also discussed his admiration for former FSU football players Jameis Winston and Jordan Travis.

  • Clanton sat down for the interview prior to his start at the Cognizant Classic in South Florida, where he earned his PGA Tour card last year.

The players

Luke Clanton

A former star golfer for the Florida State Seminoles who played in several PGA events while still in college and was recognized as the best player in college golf.

Charlie Woods

A highly touted junior golfer who has committed to play for the Florida State Seminoles.

Miles Russell

Another highly touted junior golfer who has committed to play for the Florida State Seminoles, creating what could be one of the best college golf recruiting classes of all time.

Tyler Weaver

A former Florida State golf teammate of Clanton's who Clanton believes will soon make a big impact in the golf world.

Jameis Winston

A former Florida State football player who Clanton named as his favorite FSU player of all time.

Jordan Travis

A former Florida State football player who Clanton believes could have led the Seminoles to a national championship in 2023 if he had not gotten injured.

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What they’re saying

“I think the biggest thing is just enjoying it. We get so consumed by, 'OK, I'm going to be here a year and go pro.' Obviously now, with Miles and Charlie being there, it's going to be a lot of media and a lot of attention. I think they just kinda have to be like, 'OK, these are my brothers and I'm going to enjoy it, and I'm going to love it, and I'm going to fight for them.”

— Luke Clanton, Former Florida State Golfer (The Smylie Show)

“Obviously, Miles has done some incredible things already at such a young age. Charlie's doing great things at such a young age. Expectations are going to go higher and higher. I think just be together and understand like, 'Hey, this is my brother, and I'm going to fight for him.' And when you go out for a national championship, it doesn't matter how good your team is, it matters how close you guys are. Because when you're coming down that final stretch, you are not just playing for yourself.”

— Luke Clanton, Former Florida State Golfer (The Smylie Show)

What’s next

Clanton will tee it up at the Cognizant Classic in South Florida this week, where he earned his PGA Tour card last year.

The takeaway

Clanton's advice to incoming Florida State golf recruits Woods and Russell emphasizes the importance of embracing the college experience, supporting each other as teammates, and not getting too caught up in outside expectations. His perspective as a former star player provides valuable guidance for navigating the high-profile nature of their commitments.