Nick Dunlap loved the costliest win of his profession on Sunday.
After changing into the primary novice to win a PGA Tour occasion since 1991, the 20-year-old was confronted with the truth of dropping out on the $1.5million (£1.2m) grand prize. And though he was all smiles regardless of that unhappy truth, there’s certain to part of Dunlap that rues the way in which golf guidelines are structured.
His one-shot triumph at The American Express was sufficient to finish a 33-year drought, with Phil Mickelson being the final to handle the feat throughout his novice days. Instead, the seven-figure first-place prize went to South African runner-up Christiaan Bezuidenhout.
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“It’s so cool to be experiencing this as an amateur,” stated Dunlap after his win. “Whether I made or missed that [last putt], if you had told me come Wednesday night that I had a putt to win this tournament, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Alabama native Dunlap may have ample likelihood to outdo himself later this yr. A win at The American Express means he is now certified for the Masters, PGA Championship and The Players Championship, in addition to incomes a two-year exemption on the Tour.
Should the PGA Tour change its guidelines on novice’s being ineligible for prize cash? Let us know within the feedback part under.
(Image: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Seven amateurs have gained PGA Tour occasions in complete, and Dunlap’s entry onto that checklist did not come with out its hiccups. After main by three heading into the ultimate spherical, a double-bogey on the seventh gap noticed that cushion fade earlier than he got here charging again.
When requested if turning professional was in his close to future, Dunlap replied: “I don’t know. I have to take a second to let what just happened sink in a little bit. That’s a decision that’s not just about me. It affects a lot of people, and obviously I’m going to try to enjoy this.”
(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
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While the teen could also be unsure about his fast future, it is sure golf has a brand new identify to control. And this one shall be extra keen than most to begin racking up the prize cash as soon as he is really eligible.