Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap announced on Thursday that he is turning pro on the PGA Tour after winning the American Express Open this weekend. As an amateur, Dunlap missed out on $1.5 million in winnings from the AmEx victory, but it’s apparently the last time he won’t be able to collect earnings.
Dunlap, a sophomore at Alabama, became the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson did so in 1991. He shot 29-under par for the weekend in La Quinta, California. His third round was nearly flawless. The Alabama star managed to card a 60 on Saturday, the lowest round by an amateur in PGA Tour history.
Now turning pro, Dunlap will make his debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which begins on Feb. 1. He is the first to win a tournament event as a non-member of the tour and then announce his pro move since Garrick Higgo did so after the 2021 Palmetto Championship at Congaree. He is now exempt on tour through the 2026 season. Unfortunately, he will not retroactively receive points from his AmEx win but he’ll join FedEx Cup standings once he makes his first cut as a professional.
Dunlap impressses at AmEx Open
The American Express has seen plenty of impressive feats in its history, which now includes the amateur’s victory. The event boasts Arnold Palmer’s five tournament wins, as well as David Duval’s iconic 59 in the final round to come from behind and win the 1999 version.
Dunlap’s 29-under (259 total) is the tournament record since the event moved to a 72-hole format in 2012. He is the youngest winner of the PGA Tour since Jordan Spieth won the 2013 John Deere Classic, when he was 19 years old.
“Such an impressive performance by Nick Dunlap,” Phil Mickelson tweeted after his win. “Congratulations on an incredible win. This is just the beginning.”
“What an amazing accomplishment by @NickDunlap62, stellar play and way to pull through under pressure to join a very selective group of players to win PGA tour events as an amateur!” Jon Rahm chimed in. “Great future ahead of this great talent! Congratulations.”
In August of 2023, Dunlap joined Tiger Woods as the only golfer ever to win both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur crowns. He brought home the most coveted prize in all of amateur golf at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He won the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship after he defeated Ohio State star Neal Shipley–up 4 holes with 3 holes remaining.
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