Amateur sensation Nick Dunlap’s Masters status amid PGA Tour dilemma
Amateur sensation Nick Dunlap’s Masters status amid PGA Tour dilemma
Nick Dunlap became the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since 1991 with his stunning victory at The American Express on Sunday, leaving him with a huge decision to make on his future plans
Nick Dunlap has a lot to think about after his remarkable PGA Tour win. (
Nick Dunlap made golf history with his win at The American Express on Sunday and faces a huge decision due to his success.
The 20-year-old, a second-year student at the University of Alabama, became the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991, winning at PGA West in Palm Springs, California by one shot from South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout.
Dunlap’s impressive 12-under-par round of 60 on Saturday put him ahead of the pack, and he managed to fend off a high class chasing group including Ryder Cup stars Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns to claim the title. The victory continues Dunlap’s tremendous form after last year joining Tiger Woods in an elite club, winning the US Amateur and US Junior Amateur championships.
138254793220
Despite his amateur status preventing him from claiming the $1.5 million prize money on Sunday, Dunlap has earned a two-year exemption to play on the PGA Tour through the 2026 season. However, this would mean turning professional and ending his studies early.
After winning the US Amateur, Dunlap got invites to The Masters, the US Open and The Open Championship. However, if he turns professional, he’ll lose his invite to play at Royal Troon in Scotland in July. But his win at The Amex would still qualify him for The Masters and the PGA Championship, as well as signature tour events on tour including The Players at TPC Sawgrass.
6 African Champions Who’re Taking Over The Premier LeagueSHOWMAX STORIES
Sponsored Link by Taboola
Turning pro could bring lots of money quickly, but it’s not an easy choice for Dunlap. He has been developed so well in college, and while he would doubtless love to compete against the best players every week, he needs to think about whether the tough PGA Tour schedule is right for him at this stage of his life and career.
“I have no idea, I really don’t,” Dunlap said when asked about his future plans. “It’s really cool to have that opportunity in the first place. Starting the week, if you would have said, ‘Hey, in five days you’re going to have a PGA Tour card, or an opportunity for two years,’ I would have looked at you sideways.”
