Alabama Golfer Nick Dunlap Wins The American Express, Makes PGA Tour History

With a historic performance, Dunlap becomes the first amateur to win on tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991.

History made.

On Sunday, Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap made PGA Tour history, becoming the first amateur to win on tour since legendary golfer Phil Mickelson won the Northern Telecom Open in 1991. 

Dunlap, a sophomore from Huntsville, Ala., posted a final total of -29 through four rounds, finishing just in front of Christiaan Bezuidenhout who posted a -28.

Dunlap joined Tiger Woods in 2023 as the only winners of both the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur while also playing in the past two U.S. Opens due to his amateur success. The American Express is just his fourth PGA Tour event.

With the win, Dunlap secures his PGA Tour card and playing privileges for two years. Playing as a sponsor's invite, Dunlap became the first ever amateur to make the cut at The American Express, but is not eligible to collect the $1.5 million in prize money.

While Dunlap was chasing a historic victory, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban chimed in on Dunlap's success via a guest appearance on The Golf Channel. 

"He's got a great work ethic, he's a great person, pays attention to detail," Saban said. He's got the right disposition to play."

After his jaw-dropping performance, Dunlap is allowed to turn pro and retain his exemption into the U.S. Open, but remains eligible to play in full-field PGA Tour events if he elects to remain an amateur by refuting his activation opportunity out of the tournament winner’s category — although the 20 year-old sensation would be limited to just 12 starts as a nonmember until his card is activated by choice.

[this story will be updated]

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