Amateur Sensation: Nick Dunlap makes history with PGA Tour victory at The American Express

Posted : 22 January 2024

Nick Dunlap displayed remarkable composure to clinch The American Express title, making history as the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991. The 20-year-old secured victory by sinking a crucial six-foot par putt on the final hole, finishing one shot ahead of South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

Despite this being only his fourth PGA Tour appearance, Dunlap navigated the challenges of the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta with resilience. He had to overcome a double-bogey on the seventh hole, responding with three birdies in the following nine to close with a two-under 70.

Embraced by his parents in California, an emotional Dunlap reflected on the surreal experience of winning as an amateur, stating, "Whether I made or missed that, if you had told me come Wednesday night that I had a putt to win this tournament, I wouldn't have believed you."

Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, lauded Dunlap's impressive performance on social media. Dunlap, already recognized for his achievements, had previously emulated Tiger Woods by securing victories in both the US Junior Amateur and US Amateur titles in the same year.

Despite losing his three-shot overnight lead with a challenging double-bogey, the University of Alabama student demonstrated resilience with key birdies to secure the win. Bezuidenhout, who posted an eagle two on the par-four 15th, finished strongly with a seven-under 65, setting a clubhouse target of 28 under.

Unaware of his competitor's final-hole birdie, Dunlap, standing over his second shot on the last hole, believed he had a two-shot lead. With his approach hitting a spectator but fortuitously settling near the green, Dunlap nervelessly holed a six-foot putt to seal the victory.

As an amateur, Dunlap will not receive any prize money, with the winner's cheque of $1.5 million (£1.18 million) going to Bezuidenhout. When asked about turning professional, Dunlap expressed uncertainty, emphasizing the need to savor the moment and consider the broader impact of such a decision, stating, "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."

Amateur Sensation: Nick Dunlap makes history with PGA Tour victory at The American Express

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