Nick Dunlap made history on Sunday in the PGA Tour. Dunlap, an amateur golfer playing in his fourth tournament, won the American Express. Dunlap, 20, is a Sophomore at the University of Alabama and plays for their golf team. He shot well, scoring 64, 65, 60, and 70 throughout the four days of the tournament.
This is the first time an amateur has won on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Dunlap didn’t just win this tournament; he also broke the course record. He finished the weekend 29 under par. He is the youngest winner at the American Express and the youngest amateur to win since 1910.
The prize for 1st at the American Express is $1,512,000, but since Dunlap is an amateur, he walks away with no prize money. That money went to the second-place finisher, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who finished the tournament 28 under par.
This win allows Dunlap to turn into a PGA professional at any point. He would have automatic membership through the 2026 season. If Dunlap decides to retain his amateur status, he would have 30 days after the season to declare himself a professional. Dunlap is unsure what to do next, but he showed the PGA world that he is ready to take the next steps.