Amateur Golfer, Nick Dunlap, Shocks The World
Nick Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore who plays golf for the University of Alabama, won the American Express tournament Sunday!
He would have won a whopping $1.5 million but amateurs are ineligible to receive payout from tournaments. I am not going to pretend that doesn't suck, but he won something even greater.
According to NBC Sports, this is what this win means for the future of Nick Dunlap’s PGA membership:
Dunlap can take up PGA Tour membership at any point this season.
His membership lasts through the 2026 season.
If he does not accept membership during the 2024 season, he has 30 days following the completion of the season to turn pro and take up membership for the 2025 season.
If he does not turn professional before the end of that offseason window, he would have to wait until the conclusion of the 2025 Tour season to take up membership (with the same 30-day timeframe leading into 2026).
If Dunlap does not turn pro and take up Tour membership, he can still participate in full-field events out of the tournament winners category, subject to nonmember regulations (maximum of 12 tournaments).
He has the choice to become a professional golfer, which I would assume is at least one of his dreams in life. Respect to him though for taking the time to soak it all in and take some time to decide the next steps.
Let’s take a look at how truly amazing this accomplishment is. A quick history of amateurs to win a PGA event:
Cary Middlecoff: 1945 North and South Open
Fred Haas: 1945 Memphis Invitational
Frank Stranahan: 1945 Durham War Bond Tournament
Frank Stranahan: 1948 Miami Open
Gene Littler: 1954 San Diego Open
Doug Sanders: 1956 Canadian Open
Scott Verplank: 1985 Western Open
Phil Mickelson: 1991 Northern Telecom Open
Nick Dunlap: 2024 The American Express
Just moments after winning, Nick gives his emotional responses:
A photo dump of some of the moments shortly after winning The American Express tournament:
