Nick Dunlap, who became the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991, has addressed the LIV Golf rumours.
In the wake of his historic PGA Tour victory, Nick Dunlap has two clear questions to address.
In case you missed it, the 20-year-old made history by becoming the first amateur to win on the US circuit since Phil Mickelson did so in 1991.
Reporters asked him if he would be turning professional after the tears subsided after his daring six-foot putt to win The American Express.
It was entirely expected that he would respond that way. He’s not sure what to do next, so he’ll consult with his family, girlfriend Isabella Ellis, and his coach.
Dunlap has already secured starting spots at the 48th Masters, Open, and U.S. Open as the current U.S. Amateur champion.
If he were to go pro, he would forfeit his spot at the Open at Royal Troon, but he would receive an offer to play in the U.S. PGA Championship at Valhalla.
If Dunlap chooses to become a professional, he would compete in the remaining seven high-profile events.
Surely the answer is obvious?
Notably, Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm of LIV were among the first to congratulate Dunlap on his victory.
Rahm commented on X, “Way to pull through under pressure.” “On the same platform, Mickelson stated, “This is just the beginning.”
Dunlap would undoubtedly be a major coup for LIV.
Furthermore, it’s also important to consider that Dunlap is represented by GSE and his agent Kevin Canning worked on the deal that brought Jason Kokrak to the rival league.
In addition, Bryson DeChambeau, Abraham Ancer, Paul Casey, Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz, Branden Grace, Eugenio Chacarra, and Mito Pereira are among the other LIV players that GSE represents.
When asked recently by Golfweek if he would be interested in competing at LIV, Dunlap responded, “As of right now, I really don’t.”
Like Rory McIlroy did following his fourth Dubai Desert Classic victory, Dunlap gave an explanation stating that he watched Tiger Woods as a child and aspired to be like the legendary golfer.
“I don’t know if that’s cocky or not,” he said.
He gave an explanation, saying, “I’ve always wanted to play on the PGA Tour and win an event by making a putt like I did a short while ago.
“Doing that has always been my dream. I’ve always made an effort to pursue an endeavor that no one else has.
“This is the reason I always work so hard; I want to create something unique and unforgettable, perhaps not just for myself but also for others to try to emulate and measure at.
“For me, that’s Tiger,” he went on. I mean, I’m trying to chase him, but I probably won’t ever even come close to some of the records he set. Still, I always try to set myself.
“I realize that’s a very high standard, and I’m not sure if that comes across as cocky or not, but that’s something, I think he’s the greatest person ever, and to try to pursue that and even have a conversation with him is, as I mentioned earlier, a dream come true, and that’s why I do what I do.”
On February 2, LIV’s third campaign begins in Mexico.
The previously mentioned Rahm has not yet disclosed the identity of his team or confirmed who will be on his side.
Caleb Surratt, another young golfer with a bright future in the sport, is rumored to have committed to play for Rahm’s squad.
Tyrell Hatton is now Rahm’s top target, according to Telegraph Sport, after Tommy Fleetwood of England rejected another offer from the Saudi-backed league.
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