Former Spanish Park golfer Nick Dunlap wins first PGA Tour event, becoming first amateur winner in 33 years
Published on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:28 p.m.
- Former Spain Park golfer Nick Dunlap becomes the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991 as the 2023 U.S. Amateur champion wins the American Express with a tournament record 29-under par. . (contribution)
Andrew Simonson Sports Editor
La Quinta, California – After making history by winning the U.S. Amateur in August 2023, Nick Dunlap continued his meteoric rise in the golf world by achieving yet another historic feat.
The former Spain Park golfer and current member of Greystone Golf and Country Club earned his first PGA Tour win on Sunday, Jan. 21, when he won the American Express at PGA West.
“It’s everything I dreamed of,” Dunlap said. “Just having a chance to win on the final hole at a PGA Tour event is really special.”
The victory, which came in his fifth tour start and first qualification, was the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. At 20 years old, he is also the youngest amateur to win on the PGA Tour. Since 1910.
Dunlap emerged from a crowded field of golfers including Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Zach Johnson and Will Zalatoris to shoot 29 under par and beat Christian Bezuidenhout by one stroke. He also broke the tournament scoring record.
After receiving a sponsor’s exemption to compete at American Express, he shot a 64 in the first round and a 65 in the second round, placing him in second place, two strokes behind leader Sam Burns.
On Saturday’s travel day, Dunlap jumped into the lead with one of his best rounds ever.
He shot a 12-under 60 at La Quinta Country Club, including an eagle on the sixth, and advanced to Sunday’s final round with a three-stroke lead over Thomas.
He struggled on the Pete Dye Stadium Course in the first nine holes of the final round and lost the lead.
However, he recovered on the back nine and shot a 2-under 70, benefiting from two double bogeys from Burns, to regain the lead and win.
Dunlap celebrated in person with his family and girlfriend, who were in attendance for both the third and fourth rounds, as well as University of Alabama golf coach Jay Sewell.
Dunlap was paired with Alabama alumnus Thomas in the final round and received support throughout the weekend and after the win from the Crimson Tide community, including former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, who called into Sunday’s Golf Channel broadcast. I received it.
Dunlap also received support from his hometown on social media, including the Spain Park Boys Golf Team, who posted congratulatory messages on X (formerly Twitter).
“A lot of people came out and supported me. The support I got from not only them, but everyone here was really amazing,” Dunlap said.
The win follows Dunlap’s 2023 U.S. Amateur title, making him the second golfer to win both the U.S. Junior Amateur and the U.S. Amateur, along with Tiger Woods. He also won the Walker Cup and Presidents Cup for Team USA in 2023.
With his first PGA Tour victory, if Dunlap decides to turn pro, he will be awarded a PGA Tour card, guaranteed membership from 2024 to 2026, and automatic entry to all signature events on the Tour in 2024. will be done. Masters, Players Championship, PGA Championship.
However, by winning the U.S. Amateur, he has already secured an exemption to the 2024 Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open, so he can continue to play in those tournaments if he stays in Alabama, and in 2025. can obtain tour membership.