Due to his status as an amateur golfer, Nick Dunlap received $0 for his win at the American Express, the third round of the 2024 PGA Tour season.
And frankly, that should change.
Why should Dunlap be punished for winning a PGA Tour event when he is only a sophomore at the University of Alabama?
He missed out on receiving the $1,512,000 prize given to the winner, which was instead given to second place Christian Bezuidenhout. With Dunlap's win, all the other players on the field also received additional pay.
Even Will Gordon, who finished alone in 67th place, received $17,892 for his performance, with Dunlap beating him by 18 strokes.
Dunlap may have a nice name, image and likeness (NIL) contract at the University of Alabama, but that shouldn't affect his eligibility to receive prize money at PGA Tour events.
He is entitled to that $1.5 million. He defeated the likes of Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Still, these three of his players benefited from the loss to Dunlap. Thanks to this archaic rule, their salaries increased considerably.
What do you think about this rule? Should amateurs who win on the PGA Tour receive prize money? Or do you think this rule should remain the same? Let us know in the comments below.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
