From Baseball Breakup to PGA TOUR Debut: Nathan Franks is Ready for His Moment
Sometimes you just know. For Nathan Franks, that moment of clarity came with a grin and a conversation with his dad. “I told him I didn’t want to play baseball anymore,” Franks recalled, chuckling. And with that, a future in golf began to take shape—not just as a pastime, but as a passion.
Now, the University of South Carolina senior and three-time SEC Golfer of the Week is stepping into the biggest arena of his life: the PGA TOUR.
Winning “The Q” and Punching His Ticket
Franks isn’t just walking in the back door. He earned his spot in this week’s ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic by winning “The Q at Myrtle Beach,” a unique qualifier that featured a mix of aspiring pros and social media stars. The stakes were high. The cameras were everywhere. And Franks delivered.
With two chip-ins, two eagles, and a 3-under 69—the only score under 70—Franks edged out Tyler Watts and Joe Hooks by one shot. He had a two-stroke cushion on the 18th, dunked his second shot into the water, and still held on after a bogey. Clutch doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Ready to roll in the Palmetto State! 🌴@GamecockMGolf senior and @PGATOURU No. 24 Nathan Franks will make his TOUR debut @MyrtleBeachCl after conquering The Q at Myrtle Beach.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 6, 2025
(Presented by @PlayGolfMB) pic.twitter.com/9NpUb2zOJO
“It was the first time I played in front of that many cameras,” Franks said, “and it was a little nerve-wracking at the same time.”
A Chance to Test Himself Against the Best
This week, Franks gets his first PGA TOUR tee time, and it just so happens to be in his home state. Talk about a full-circle moment.
He’s not making bold predictions. He’s not talking about Top 10s or making the cut—he’s simply excited to learn, compete, and absorb. “Looking forward to getting a chance to compete against some of the best players in the world,” he said, “and see where I am and where I need to get better.”
Franks is treating this like another college event with a few more practice days and a lot more TV time.
Franks also qualified for the Local U.S. Open Qualifying. Will he rejoin his Gamecock teammates next week at the NCAA Regional at Gold Mountain in Washington?
Yeah, the guy’s got a little travel juggling to figure out. But for now, he’s locked in. “To play in a PGA TOUR event in my home state is a dream come true,” he said, beaming.
