Nick Dunlap, sophomore at University of Alabama, You have a brilliant excuse to turn in assignments at the end of this week.
The Alabama native became the first amateur golfer to win in the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson at the 1991 Tucson Open, when he sank a 6-foot par putt on the 18th hole Sunday to win The American Express.
Nick Dunlap of the United States poses for a photo with the trophy after winning the American Express at Pete Dye Stadium Field on January 21, 2024 in La Quinta, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“Everyone has doubts,” Dunlap said after the final round at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California.
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“I probably had a thousand different scenarios in my head about how today was going to go, and nothing went the way I expected. I think that was the interesting part. That's golf.”
At 20 years old, Dunlap finished the day two under par and just one stroke ahead of Christiaan Bezuidenhout.
“I made a lot of shots that I didn't think I was going to make, and then I made some shots that went a lot better than I expected,” Dunlap said. “And the same thing with putting. Like I said, I think that's the cool part about golf.”
Alabama head golf coach Jay Seawell congratulates Nick Dunlap, right, after Dunlap won the American Express Tournament at PGA West, Dye Stadium Course, on Jan. 21, 2024, in La Quinta, California . (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Dunlap's historic victory marked the first time an amateur won a PGA Tour event in 33 years, and was only the third time it has occurred since 1957.
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An Alabama standout, Dunlap finished the 2023 season leading the Crimson Tide with an average of 67 hits per round. He is also the reigning United States Amateur champion.
“Yeah. I probably won't though,” Dunlap laughed when asked if he had homework to do after the win.
Sunday's victory also secured Dunlap's PGA Tour card, giving him the opportunity to turn professional. A few days later, Dunlap announced that he would be joining the tour.
Nick Dunlap of the United States reacts after winning the American Express at Pete Dye Stadium Field on January 21, 2024 in La Quinta, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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“It was the easiest and hardest decision I've ever had to make,” Dunlap said at a news conference Thursday. “I was very fortunate that everyone had the same opinion on it, and my teammates were amazing and very supportive. It goes back to the family that Alabama has. They were very supportive and wanted me to follow my dreams.”
Dunlap will make his professional debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on February 1. He also earned a place in teachers, US Open and British Open after winning the US Amateur last summer.
The Associated Press contributed to its reporting.
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