17-year-old golfing phenom Gianna Clemente is rising at an unexpected pace.

Last year, Craig Kessler, the LPGA Tour commissioner, let her compete on the tour ahead of her 18th birthday. And now, she’s proving that decision right. 

Taking to Instagram, Clemente shared a video from Portland’s Nike campus. Sporting an oversized Swoosh, she officially shook hands with the apparel company. And in the caption, she wrote, “Just did it. @nike” 

Along with that, Clemente also received a sponsor invitation to play beside Carlota Ciganda and Allisen Corpuz at the Honda LPGA Thailand. This invite came after she proved herself at the event last year, finishing it at T30 with rounds of 73-68-71-69. She also received a LEAP point for finishing in the top 40. 

And Patrick Clemente, the teenager’s father, would be the man carrying her bag in Thailand. Following this start, Clemente will likely transition to her first full season on the Epson Tour.

Her campaign begins March 5 at the Atlantic Beach Classic, the first of three consecutive events in Florida that will shape the early portion of the developmental tour schedule.

But this is not the first time she got Nike’s backing. The company supported her during her stint as a junior as well. Apart from that, Clemente is associated with ShopRite, Titleist, and The Gate Golf Club, Naples. 

However, looking at the pace she’s cruising through the golf world, there’s one question that many might ask. 

Does It Feel Like Gianna Clemente Is Rushing Into Her LPGA Stint?

“Everybody’s path is different,” Clemente told Golf Channel, back in November 2025. “There are lots of ways to get to the LPGA tour. For me, golf is the only thing I’ve ever really wanted. … I don’t see a reason to delay it now.”

She wrapped up her Q-School’s final stage in December at Magnolia Grove, Alabama. That’s how she received the guaranteed Epson Tour card. But her stance as an amateur is what reels in all the attention. 

Clemente was awarded the 2024 AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year. She even finished second, next to Melanie Green, at the Guardian Championship in September 2025. 

For now, she’s looking forward to May 2026 to graduate from the Enlightium Academy. After that, Gianna Clemente can focus all of her energy on competitive golf. 

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu