An emotional Nick Dunlap confirmed he will be turning professional with his first event in the play-for-pay to be next week’s PGA Tour AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The news comes just four days after the 20-year-old Alabama university student become the youngest amateur in 114-years to win on the PGA Tour with his victory in the American Express Championship at La Quinta in eastern California.
As well, Dunlap was a first amateur since Phil Mickelson in 1991 to taste success on the PGA Tour.
Winning as an amateur meant Dunlap turning down a $1.5m first prize cheque however now as a full member of the PGA Tour he’s eligible for the 500 FedEx Cup points.
Also, in turning professional Dunlap would have lost his entry into April’s Masters as the reigning US Amateur champion however now as a PGA Tour winnner he’s exempt to tee-up at Augusta National.
Nick Taylor making his pro debut at next week’s AT & T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Dunlap is exempt also into the US Open and the PGA Championship, plus the remaining signature events on the PGA Tour including The Players at TPC Sawgrass in March.
The tears flowed freely last Sunday with his victory at La Quita and it was the same in announcing his decision to turn pro at a press conference where he also paid tribute to his Alabama school, his coach Jay Seawell and those close to him.
“First of all, I want to say that choosing the University of Alabama is the greatest decision I’ve ever made,” he said.
“I’ve grown as a person, as a player since Coach Seawell first recruited me. I was a little s***, I’m not going to lie, but I’ve learned a lot and I’m very grateful for my team here. I couldn’t be happier with where I decided to come.
“My parents, through all the ups and downs have always been there, whether that’s driving through the night to see me play golf or getting up early. I’m kind of first starting to understand how expensive golf is, so thank you.”
He continued, wiping tears from his eyes with his sleeve: “Coach Seawell, we’ve been through a lot. I didn’t want to play for anyone else. Hopefully, I’ve represented Alabama golf well. To my teammates, being your teammate has been a blast for me.
The new World No. 68 ranked Dunlap had been due to play on a sponsor’s invitation at this weeks Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, but issued a formal apology he wished to spend the week elebrating with friends and family.
His family will no doubt be on hand next week to cheer Dunlap on when he plays his first shot at as a professional.
