Amateur No More: Dunlap Makes History

Nick Dunlap Becomes First Amateur in 33 Years to Win on PGA Tour

January 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

January 23, 2024

SUB 60 HEADLINES

Nick Dunlap reacts after making his putt on the 18th hole to win the American Express golf tournament. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Nick Dunlap made history Sunday by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA tour in 33 years (since Phil Mickelson’s victory at the 1991 Tucson Open) with his victory at the American Express in LaQuinta, California.

Dunlap, a University of Alabama sophomore, came from behind to hold off Christiaan Bezuidenhout on the 18th hole after surrendering his early Sunday lead. His noteworthy performance began on Saturday when he shot a near sub-60 round (something we obviously love here at Sub 60 Golf). The amateur handled the pressure of leading after 54-holes with poise, and ultimately defeated a field of top PGA pros including Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and current world number 1, Scottie Scheffler.

Despite winning his first PGA Tour event, Dunlap won’t see a penny of the $1.5M prize money from The American Express due to his amateur status. Instead, the second-place finisher, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, will be the lucky recipient of the full first-place prize money (and FedEx Cup points).

Fortunately, Nick shouldn’t worry quite yet about his financial future as this weekend’s win now qualifies him for 3 of the 4 majors, as well as all of the PGA Tour Signature Events should he choose to become a professional. The choice is now his — what a wild weekend for the 20-year old!

POLL OF THE WEEK

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2024 PGA SHOW

The 71st PGA Show kicks off today in Orlando, Florida, bringing together golf professionals, industry executives, and retailers from around the world to explore new innovations, test equipment, and network.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, host of the PGA Demo Day in Winter Garden, Florida

With over 30,000 pre-registered attendees, the event features a Demo Day, exhibits at the Orange County Convention Center, professional learning opportunities, and appearances by notable golf figures like Annika Sorenstam and Jim Furyk.

WINNERS FROM LAST WEEK: CORE FOUR

Click the link(s) below to view full standings:

SOCIAL OF THE WEEK

Winter can’t stop these guys from range practice 👊 

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKINGS: TOP 60

Arrows indicate top movers in this week’s OWGR

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