Nick Dunlap, sophomore University of Alabama, I now have a great excuse to turn in an assignment later this week.
The Alabama native became the first amateur golfer to win the tournament. pga tour It's the first time since Phil Mickelson sank a 6-foot par putt on the 18th hole on Sunday to win the American Express at the 1991 Tucson Open.
Nick Dunlap of the United States poses for a photo with his trophy after winning the American Express at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California on January 21, 2024. (Sean M. Huffey/Getty Images)
“Everyone has their 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 could have gone, but it didn't go the way I expected. I think that's what was great about this match. That's golf.”
The 20-year-old Dunlap finished the opening day at 2 under par, just one stroke behind Christian Bezuidenhout.
“I hit a lot of shots that I didn't think I would hit, but I also hit a lot better shots than I expected,” Dunlap said. “It's the same with putting. Like I said, I think that's a great part of golf.”
University of Alabama head golf coach Jay Sewell speaks with Nick Dunlap after Dunlap won the American Express Tournament at PGA West's Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California on January 21, 2024. Bless (right). (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Dunlap's historic victory marked the first time an amateur had won the championship. pga tour It was the first such event in 33 years and the third time since 1957.
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Dunlap, a standout at Alabama, finished the 2023 season leading the Crimson Tide with an average of 67 strokes per round. He is also the current U.S. Amateur Champion.
When asked if he had any homework to do after the win, Dunlap laughed: “Yeah, probably not.”
Sunday's win also earned Dunlap a PGA Tour card, giving him a chance to turn professional. Just 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 the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California on January 21, 2024. (Sean M. Huffey/Getty Images)
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“This was the easiest and hardest decision I've ever had to make,” Dunlap said at a press conference Thursday. “I was very fortunate that everyone was on the same page and my teammates were great and very supportive. It goes back to my family at the University of Alabama. They were very supportive and wanted me to follow my dreams. gave.”
Dunlap will make his professional debut on February 1st at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. he also masters, After winning the U.S. Amateur last summer, the U.S. Open and British Open.
The Associated Press contributed to his report.
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