Nick Dunlap was faced with a dilemma after his stunning victory as an amateur on the PGA Tour last week and the University of Alabama star has announced his decision
Nick Dunlap has announced he will turn professional and play on the PGA Tour this season after his remarkable history-making victory as an amateur at The American Express last weekend.
Following her stunning performance at PGA West near Palm Springs, California, over the weekend, the University of Alabama sophomore stunned the golf world on Thursday during an emotional press conference. He defeated a group of elite contenders that included Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, and Justin Thomas to become the first amateur winner on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
Following in Tiger Woods’ footsteps, Dunlap had an incredibly successful amateur career. He became just the second player to win both the US Amateur and US Junior Amateur titles. However, his unexpected victory on Sunday presented him with a difficult decision regarding his future.
In the end, he decided to abandon the college scene since the opportunity to play on the PGA Tour for two years as a result of his victory was too good to refuse. Beginning on February 1, Dunlap will play in the AT&T Pro-AM at Pebble Beach, where he will make his PGA Tour debut.
Along with participating in The Masters, US Open, and PGA Championship, the 20-year-old will also play in the remaining PGA Tour signature events, which include The Players at TPC Sawgrass in March. Dunlap was born and raised in Alabama, so leaving the state was not an easy choice for him. In a moving press conference, he honored the university, coach Jay Seawell, and his family.
“I want to start by saying that I think my decision to attend the University of Alabama was the best one I’ve ever made,” he said. I’ve developed both personally and as a player since Coach Seawell first brought me in. I won’t lie, I was a little s***, but I’ve come a long way and I’m really appreciative of my team here. I’m really happy that I chose to come here.
“My parents have always supported me through all the highs and lows, whether it involves driving through the night to watch me play golf or waking up early. Thank you; I’m just now beginning to realize how expensive golf is.”
Using his sleeve to dab away tears, he went on, “Coach Seawell, we’ve been through a lot. I had no desire to perform for anyone else. I hope I did a good job representing Alabama golf. It’s been a blast for me to be your teammate, teammates.
“I do want to make the announcement that I am going professional at this time. I’m going to make my debut at the Pebble Beach AT&T Pro-Am, and I’m accepting my membership. I’m incredibly appreciative of this wonderful opportunity.”
Under a sponsor’s exemption as an amateur, Dunlap was scheduled to play in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, which got underway on Wednesday. However, he withdrew to celebrate his win with friends and family. Following a jump in the Official Golf World Ranking from 4,129 to 68, Dunlap will be one of the highlights at the picturesque Pebble Beach, an appropriate place to launch his professional career.
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