Amateur Golfer Surprises PGA Tour This Week

America Only 20 years old and the only amateur golfer, but Nick Dunlap is nearing the top of the leaderboard midway through the PGA Tour's American Express Cup in California.

Dunlap became a force to be reckoned with at The American Express 2024 when he recorded seven birdies and no bogeys in Round 2 on January 19. Thanks to that, he jumped two places to T3 at -15, while the leading position belonged to Sam Burns at -17.

Dunlap at The American Express 2024. Photo: USA Today

After two rounds, Dunlap is ahead of world number one Scottie Scheffler (-11, T26) and many seniors, even uncles who have won majors or many cups on the PGA Tour, such as Patrick Cantlay (-14, T5), Zach Johnson (-13, T11), Justin Thomas (-12 T17). In both first two rounds, Dunlap recorded only one bogey (in round 1), reached the green according to the 15-hole standard, and putted a maximum of 27 shots for each match.

The tournament takes place on three par-72 courses, including Laquinta Country Club, Stadium and Nicklaus Course in the PGA West complex. The organizers will cut off after round 3, according to the principle of taking top or T65. Accordingly, the expected cutoff score is -8. With this level, Dunlap is full of hope to complete The American Express. This situation also reflects that Dunlap has become "tougher" after three times following the sponsor's invitation to try his hand at top golf but all were cut off, including two major US Opens (2022-2023) and the Bermuda Championship on the PGA Tour last season.

As for The American Express this time, he is an exception because the event, which usually reserves eight spots nominated by sponsors, rarely gives that benefit to amateur golfers.

However, tournament director Pat McCabe said Dunlap was the right choice for the roster. "I think outstanding talent like him deserves the opportunity to compete with PGA Tour golfers."

Dunlap is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. He is the 2023 US Amateur and 2021 US Junior Amateur champion. In the history of American golf, only Tiger Woods and Dunlap have won both the Open and Junior Amateur championships hosted by the US Golf Association.

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