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The Tuscaloosa News
Alabama sophomore Nick Dunlap earns first PGA Tour win for an amateur since 1991
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Alabama sophomore Nick Dunlap earns first PGA Tour win for an amateur since 1991
Alabama sophomore golfer Nick Dunlap made history Sunday, becoming the first amateur golfer since 1991 to earn a PGA Tour victory in La Quinta, California at The American Express golf tournament.
Dunlap, a sponsor exemption in the tournament, shot 2-under 70 Sunday and finished 29-under 259 for the weekend to fend off the likes of Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and Kevin Yu.
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On a day in which Nick Saban called into The Golf Channel to tout Dunlap's drive (Saban said: "He's got a great work ethic, he's a great person, pays attention to detail"), Dunlap earned a trophy of his own.
Dunlap, 20, made more history than that. He became the youngest amateur to win a PGA Tour event since 1910 when he sank a putt for par on the 18th hole. He shot for par on the first nine before going 2-under 34 on the last nine and clinching the win.
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Because Dunlap is an amateur, he does not earn any prize money for the win. But if his performance over the weekend is any indication, that will come soon enough once he is no longer playing with amateur status.
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"I felt the script today was already written," an emotional Dunlap said after getting the win. "I was gonna go give it everything I had, and whether I shoot 75 or 65 or 70 I was gonna give everything I had."
When asked about his emotions, Dunlap was simply grateful.
"Nothing like I've ever felt," he said. "And it's so cool ... To experience this as an amateur ... And if you'd have told me Wednesday night I'd have a putt to win this tournament I wouldn't believe you."
Dunlap's name is already in the history books with his win Sunday. Alabama's is next to it, as T-Town moves to the PGA Tour for the time being.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama sophomore Nick Dunlap earns first PGA Tour win for an amateur since 1991
