Challenging Courses and Tough Competition Await Amateur Standout Nick Dunlap at The American Express

The PGA Tour’s American Express golf tournament is known for rarely granting one of its coveted sponsor’s exemptions to an amateur. However, this year, they have made an exception for a rare amateur standout, Nick Dunlap. Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Alabama, has already made a name for himself in the golfing world.

Last year, Dunlap clinched the U.S. Amateur title in Denver, and he had previously won the U.S. Junior Amateur at Pinehurst in 2021. Only one other golfer, the legendary Tiger Woods, has achieved the impressive U.S. Junior Amateur-U.S. Amateur double. Dunlap’s track record speaks volumes about his skill and potential.

This week, The American Express, which tees off in La Quinta, California, will mark Dunlap’s fourth stint in a professional event. He has previously played in the last two U.S. Opens and the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, proving that he can hold his own on the sport’s grandest stages. Despite having performed on golf’s biggest platforms, Dunlap is still exhilarated to receive the invitation to The American Express.

“It’s really cool, and not just because I was able to avoid some unfortunate weather back home,” expressed Dunlap during the pro-am event. “The American Express has given me a tremendous opportunity. I get to compete on three exceptional golf courses, enjoy beautiful weather, and measure myself against the best players in the game. It’s always exciting to see how one stacks up against the elite.”

Pat McCabe, the tournament executive director, shared insights into why Dunlap was granted one of the event’s eight sponsor’s exemptions. McCabe stated, “I believe it’s crucial to provide opportunities to these decorated young players. Seeing him play alongside the pros at a PGA event will be truly thrilling. We are honored to have him here.”

Although Dunlap didn’t make the cut in his previous three professional tournaments, he is determined to break that streak this week. He firmly believes that his game is well-suited for the three courses utilized in the event, and he has a secret weapon in the form of former assistant coach Hunter Hamrick.

“Hunter knows my game really well, and we have developed a solid game plan. We just have to focus on executing our plan,” Dunlap explained. “I feel like my game matches up well out here. I consider myself a strong putter, and with the exceptional greens we have, it might come down to a putting contest. I am genuinely looking forward to it, feeling confident.”

Any initial intimidation Dunlap might have had about playing with a pro vanished when he learned of his pairing. Dunlap will be competing alongside fellow Alabama alum, Wilson Furr, who recently secured his PGA Tour card after a successful season on the Korn Ferry Tour. Strikingly, Furr has also only participated in three PGA events thus far.

Amidst this year’s Alabama fraternity attendees, which includes major winner Justin Thomas, Davis Riley, Robby Shelton, and Lee Hodges, Dunlap recognizes the significance of the camaraderie. The University of Alabama has never had a player win The American Express, but Dunlap believes having fellow Alabama golfers present will make the experience enjoyable and comfortable.

“Yeah, there’s a lot of us, and when I saw that I was playing with Wilson Furr, it felt familiar. We have played plenty of golf together, so it should be a comfortable matchup. I’m excited for it,” Dunlap shared.

While Dunlap is thrilled to be competing in the desert this week, it won’t be his last professional event in 2024. His U.S. Amateur victory automatically qualifies him for the prestigious Masters Tournament. Augusta National has always been on Dunlap’s radar, and he has been eagerly anticipating the experience since qualifying.

“It’s pretty dang cool, I’m not gonna lie, and I’ll be playing with Jon Rahm for the first two days, so that’s a big deal,” Dunlap excitedly revealed. “I’ve heard countless tales about Augusta being a different beast, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing it firsthand.”

Shad Powers, a respected columnist for The Desert Sun, contributed to this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the American Express golf tournament grant an exemption to an amateur?

The American Express tournament made an exception for Nick Dunlap, an exceptional amateur golfer who has already achieved remarkable success, including winning the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur titles.

How many professional events has Nick Dunlap played in?

Nick Dunlap has participated in four professional events so far, including the last two U.S. Opens and the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Who else has achieved the U.S. Junior Amateur-U.S. Amateur double?

Aside from Nick Dunlap, the only other golfer to achieve the U.S. Junior Amateur-U.S. Amateur double is Tiger Woods, an iconic figure in the sport.

Which golf courses are being utilized for The American Express?

The American Express is being played on three highly regarded golf courses, providing a challenging and exciting environment for the competitors.

Do any fellow University of Alabama alumni join Nick Dunlap at The American Express?

Yes, Wilson Furr, a fellow University of Alabama alum, is one of the participants at The American Express. He secured his PGA Tour card this year after a successful season on the Korn Ferry Tour.

What awaits Nick Dunlap after The American Express?

After The American Express, Dunlap is set to compete in the prestigious Masters Tournament. This will be his first experience playing Augusta National.