Nick Dunlap has had a year full of highs and lows, starting with his win at the PGA Tour’s American Express in January as the first amateur to win on Tour since 1991. He turned pro in February, but struggled with adjusting to his new life until he recorded his second win of the season at the Barracuda Championship. Off the course, life has been an adjustment as well, with a messy dispute involving Dunlap’s parents, family lawyer, his agency GSE Worldwide, and his day-to-day manager Kevin Canning.
The claim, filed in March, alleged that Canning disparaged Dunlap’s parents and made false accusations about them. GSE, which signed Dunlap to a one-year contract in February, denied these allegations and suggested that the claims were fabricated by the family lawyer in order to assert control over Dunlap’s business dealings. The family later maintained that many of Canning’s claims were not true.
GSE had previously represented Dunlap for his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) representation at Alabama. They negotiated record-setting NIL deals for him and were honored to continue representing Dunlap as he moved into professional golf. However, the dispute arose when Canning claimed that Simpson structured a deal between GSE and a company called Nick Dunlap Golf, LLC in an attempt to gain control over Dunlap’s marketing activities and revenues.
Canning further claimed that he did not sign the initial agreement and never agreed to arbitrate any claims submitted personally by Dunlap’s parents. The Dunlaps supported Canning’s claims, stating that he had a history of bad-mouthing them and attempting to gain control over their son. GSE declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter but stated that they were taking all necessary actions to protect their rights.
The case went to a motion hearing on July 18 in Tuscaloosa before Judge L. Scott Coogler. Both parties are confident in the justice system to review the facts and rule in favor of Dunlap and his family. The outcome of the legal dispute remains uncertain, but it has certainly been a challenging year for Nick Dunlap both on and off the course.
