Nick Dunlap is a 20 year old college golfer who is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. He played well enough last season to get a chance at every amateur golfer’s dream, to play a PGA Tour Event. Last week he entered The American Express Golf Tournament ranked 4129th in the Official World Golf Rankings. An incredible first three rounds eventually led to a gritty one shot victory with a total gross score of 259 (-29) for Dunlap. As a result, he jumped over 4000 OWGR spots and was placed at World No. 68 approaching to the upcoming Farmer’s Insurance Open.
Additionally, he became the first amateur to win on tour since Phil Mickelson at the 1991 Northern Telecom Championship, only the fifth amateur to win on tour since 1950, and the second youngest champion in the past 90 years. Being an amateur, he was also forced to forfeit the 1.5 Million prize purse and 500 FedEx Cup points.
His performance at The Amex earned him the opportunity to add another start on the PGA Tour to his resume. To many’s surprise, the rising collegiate golfer declined the offer and chose to withdraw from the 2024 Farmer’s Insurance Open.
“After a life changing last 24 hours, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open,” Dunlap said Monday in a statement. “I plan to return home to Alabama to be with family, friends and teammates. Thank you to Farmers Insurance and American Express for giving me these opportunities.”
This decision was controversial considering the PGA Tour’s deep and historic culture and tradition, which some believe renders Dunlap’s choice as disrespectful or selfish. However, many are also defending his decision noting that he will be turning pro soon and that he deserves a short break to spend time with family.
Going forward, he is exempt from standard qualifying for all of the upcoming 2024 PGA Tour Signature Events along with the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Masters.
