Nick Dunlap: The 20-Year-Old Bama Golf Prodigy Making Waves on the PGA Tour

By: Brooks Latta | 08/17/2024

Nick Dunlap has been a force to be reckoned with, from his dominant performances at the collegiate level to his meteoric rise on the PGA Tour. At just 20 years old, Dunlap clinched his first PGA Tour victory at the American Express, an impressive feat made even more remarkable by the fact that he was still an amateur at the time. Following this win, Dunlap made the bold decision to leave his college team and turn professional, capping off his amateur career as the number one ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

This decision has undoubtedly paid off. Dunlap went on to secure the Barracuda Championship in July 2024 and also became one of two first-time winners to claim a second title in the season.

A Star in the Making

Dunlap’s rise was no surprise to those following his career. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2021 and the U.S. Amateur in 2023, adding to a list of notable achievements. With his victory at The American Express in 2024, Dunlap became the first amateur in 33 years to win a PGA Tour event, cementing his status as a player to watch.

St. Jude Championship

This week, Dunlap is competing at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, where he is completing the third round. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup Playoffs standings qualify for this prestigious event, held at TPC Southwind. Following this week's action, the field will be narrowed to 50 players who will advance to the BMW Championship in Denver, Colorado.

Saturday Showdown

Scottie Scheffler and Nick Dunlap on the green at hole #9 of TPC Southwind (Credit: Off The Deck Sports)

On Saturday at the St. Jude Championship, Dunlap found himself paired with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and seasoned pro Justin Rose, who entered the day ranked 55th in the FedEx Cup standings and projected to break into the top 30. The pairing attracted large crowds and showcased some thrilling golf, with spectators crowding around to catch a glimpse of the action, especially at hole #6.

The large gallery following Nick Dunlap, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Rose at hole #6 of TPC Southwind (Credit: Off The Deck Sports)

FedEx Cup Playoffs

The FedEx Cup Playoffs are akin to the MLB playoffs—once you're in, anything can happen. A hot streak can propel any player to victory. This bodes well for Dunlap, who posted impressive scores of 67 and 65 in his debut at TPC Southwind. As of Saturday, he's sitting in second place at -12, just four strokes behind leader Hideki Matsuyama at -16.

Given his outstanding performance, Dunlap is poised to break into the top 50, a significant achievement considering he barely made it into the playoffs, ranking 67th out of 70.

Wrapping Up

Nick Dunlap’s ascent in the golfing world is nothing short of spectacular. From his college success to his rapid impact on the PGA Tour, Dunlap has proven that he’s a rising star with immense potential. As he continues to compete in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, all eyes are on him to see just how far he can go. With his current momentum, Dunlap is not only securing his place among the best but also making a strong case as one of the future faces of golf.