American Nick Dunlap, 20 years old, just spent four days thinking when a golden opportunity for him to develop his golf career came with a historic achievement on the PGA Tour, at The American Express 2024.
"That decision seemed simple but was the hardest for me to make. Because it affected many people, especially the coach and the school's golf team, not just me," Dunlap said, then cried on January 25 when announcing his decision to give up his amateur status to become a professional.
Nick Dunlap gets emotional after winning the American Express at La Quinta, California on January 21, 2024. Photo: AP
The move is aimed at helping him advance after becoming the first amateur golfer to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years, at The American Express on January 21. This was a surprising result as he was the only amateur on the initial list of 156 golfers. With that victory, Dunlap was granted a full card by the organization that governs the top golf arena in the US through the end of the 2026 season. This year alone, he has the right to compete in seven special group tournaments, in which finishing last in each tournament will also receive at least $40,000.
However, to receive all those benefits, Dunlap must declare himself a professional. If he remains an amateur, he will continue to play as a key player on the University of Alabama golf team, but will only be allowed to compete in a maximum of 12 regular-season PGA Tour events through 2026.
In fact, Dunlap could get his full card after the PGA Tour finishes its 2024 season. But that would significantly reduce his chances of developing his golf career.
Dunlap, who has a ticket to the Farmers Insurance Open this week, has returned home to Alabama to discuss his future with his family and advisers.
During Dunlap's deliberations, the University of Alabama golf team was the biggest stumbling block for him, as he feared upsetting them by announcing his departure in the middle of the All-American collegiate golf season. "It was hard to say, because people would be caught off guard by my changing verbs," Dunlap added of his concerns.
But then, the sophomore decided to go pro, earning a full card on the PGA Tour. "It was a golden ticket and a dream of mine. Now that the opportunity is here, I have to take it." Dunlap said he will continue to hone his skills with the Alabama golf team for the next few months.
Dunlap will make his professional golf debut as a full PGA Tour member at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California from February 1-4. This tournament is a special event on the 2024 PGA Tour schedule. As for the four majors this year, Dunlap will enter the Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, and the US Open in June. For the remaining major - The Open in July, he will have to find a ticket to compete through the World Golf Professional Ranking (OWGR) because his decision to become a pro resulted in the cancellation of the wild card, which he earned by winning the 2023 US Amateur Cup.
Dunlap is ranked 68th in the OWGR this week, up 4,061 places from last week. This is the highest increase in OWGR history since its debut year in 1986, which occurred when Dunlap won The American Express 2024.
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