Amateur sensation Nick Dunlap's Masters status amid PGA Tour dilemma
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.
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.
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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.
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."
Dunlop shocked the world of golf with his remarkable win at The American Express. (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)"But that's something that it doesn't just affect me. It affects a lot of people Coach [Jay Seawell] back there, and my teammates and it's a conversation I need to have with a lot of people before I make that decision."
Before his victory at The Amex, Dunlap had planned to play as an amateur at The Famers Insurance Open in San Diego, starting on Thursday. But the 20-year-old, who had a sponsor's exemption to play as an amateur, has since pulled out so he can celebrate his win with loved ones.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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