Nick Dunlap’s journey from a finance student at the University of Alabama to a PGA Tour professional has been nothing short of extraordinary. At the start of last year, Dunlap was focused on his studies, but an unexpected opportunity at the PGA Tour’s American Express tournament in California set him on a path to a life-changing achievement. Invited to play on a sponsor’s exemption, Dunlap won the tournament, becoming the second youngest champion in PGA Tour history and the first amateur to win since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
However, there was a catch—since he was still an amateur, Dunlap had to forfeit the $1.5 million prize. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted, “At the time, I didn’t really know what $1.5 million was. It wasn’t as hard as it is now. But ultimately, I got what I wanted in the end: a trophy.”
Dunlap’s success wasn’t a fluke. Just months before his PGA Tour victory, he had joined Tiger Woods as the only player to win both the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur titles. His remarkable streak continued when he became the first player to win on the PGA Tour as both an amateur and a professional in the same season.
Known for his competitive spirit, Dunlap describes himself as an adrenaline junkie. “I just love competing,” he said. “I miss it when I’m at home. I miss being in the hunt and having that feeling of nervousness.” His parents’ competitive nature clearly influenced him, as he thrives on challenges both on and off the course.
After his breakthrough win, Dunlap left college to join the PGA Tour, quickly adjusting to life as a professional golfer. Despite some initial struggles, including missing cuts in three major tournaments, he earned $3 million in his first season. The transition from college to the professional circuit wasn’t just about golf—it was about growing up. “It was just learning how to be a man, a grown-up,” he reflected. “Figuring out taxes, accountants, how to open bank accounts—that was the biggest change for me.”
Though he’s now ranked among the top 50 golfers globally, Dunlap hasn’t lost his youthful spirit. He jokes about being teased by veteran players for his youth and admits he’s in no rush to grow up. “I still try to be a kid,” he said, finding joy even in simple activities like playing in a Putt-Putt championship.
Dunlap keeps his ambitions private but is determined to make an impact in major tournaments. His Masters debut was memorable for all the wrong reasons—hooking his first tee shot into a crowd, accidentally injuring a spectator, and missing the cut. But Dunlap remains undeterred. “Ever since I picked up a golf club, you look forward to that,” he said of the Masters experience.
Despite the ups and downs, Dunlap knows he’s living his dream. “This is what I always wanted to do—play golf and get paid for it, even better. Traveling the world, seeing some of the greatest golf courses in history, and playing against the best players in the world… I think it’s definitely a dream!”