Nick Dunlap has had an incredible year in professional golf since his surprising victory at The American Express as an amateur. Despite not expecting to be playing in some of the tournaments he has participated in since then, he has had a lot of unforgettable experiences, including another win in the Barracuda Championship that extended his rookie season into the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The 20-year-old golfer from Alabama is still in shock and gratitude for the opportunities he has had.
Playing in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Dunlap had a remarkable round, beating World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by three shots with a score of four-under 66 at TPC Southwind. As he prepares for the final round of the tournament, Dunlap will be paired with former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who currently leads the field by five strokes after shooting another 64. Despite the odds being against him, Dunlap is determined to make a strong finish and possibly become the first rookie to win a playoff event since 2017.
Matsuyama, who recently experienced a robbery and lost valuable belongings in London, is focused on securing the victory in the $20 million event. With his caddie having to return to Japan due to lost travel documents, Matsuyama is not in the mood to let anyone steal the win from him, especially a young rookie like Dunlap. Despite not expecting to be in the position he is currently in, Dunlap is confident in his abilities and is grateful for the unexpected journey he has been on this year.
Having initially planned to defend his U.S. Amateur title and continue playing college golf at the University of Alabama, Dunlap’s trajectory changed drastically after his early success in professional golf. While keeping an eye on the results of the U.S. Amateur, which he would have been participating in if not for his wins, Dunlap is focused on making the most of his opportunities on the PGA Tour. With an impressive performance in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Dunlap is on track to advance to the BMW Championship and potentially the Tour Championship, solidifying his rookie season success.
Reflecting on his extraordinary year, Dunlap is looking forward to taking a break and celebrating his achievements. He is grateful for the unexpected turn his career has taken and is excited to see what the future holds. Even as he misses out on the U.S. Amateur, he is hopeful that the event will be life-changing for someone else. Dunlap’s journey in professional golf this year is a testament to hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities when they arise. As he prepares for the final rounds of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Dunlap remains focused on finishing strong and building on his successful rookie season.
