Gordon Sargent defers PGA Tour card, returning to Vanderbilt

Field Level Media|published: Thu 18th April, 12:03 2024

Jun 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Gordon Sargent reacts after making a birdie putt on the 12th green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. credits: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Gordon Sargent announced Thursday that he is deferring his PGA Tour status until next summer and will return to Vanderbilt for his senior year.

Sargent, 20, already has a Tour card secured thanks to PGA Tour University's Accelerated program.

"Was kind of hoping a decision would come clear and obviously nothing's just going to, there's not going to be a perfect answer," Sargent said, per 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."

Currently the world's top-ranked amateur, Sargent won the NCAA individual title as a freshman in 2021 and received a special invitation to the Masters last year. He also received the McCormack Medal as the No. 1 player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the amateur calendar.

Sargent can revisit his PGA Tour membership situation, as he maintains full status through the 2026 season.

"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," Sargent said. "Then off the golf course, just continue to mature as a person and just better prepare myself for the future."

—Field Level Media