Nicholas Dunlap Bio
Nicholas Dunlap (born December 23, 2003) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2021 and the U.S. Amateur in 2023. With his victory at The American Express in 2024, Dunlap became the first amateur in 33 years to win a PGA Tour tournament. He subsequently turned professional, ending his amateur career ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 23, 2003, in Huntsville, Alabama, Nicholas Dunlap is the only child of Charlene and Jim Dunlap. The family briefly moved to Greenville, South Carolina, before returning to Alabama, where Dunlap was homeschooled during his high school years. He displayed a talent for golf from a young age at his home club, Greystone Golf & Country Club, and was also a skilled baseball and football player. Dunlap was a finalist in the National Football League’s Punt, Pass, and Kick competition in 2013. At the age of 12, he shot a remarkable round of 59 at Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama, winning a junior tournament by 13 strokes.
Path to Golf
Dunlap’s early achievements in golf included winning the Alabama State Junior Championship in 2018. He was a runner-up in several prestigious junior tournaments, including the 2020 Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship and the 2021 Junior Players Championship. His victory at the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur made him the first native of Alabama to claim that title, granting him an exemption to the 2022 U.S. Open. Dunlap was recognized as the 2021 AJGA Boys Golfer of the Year and committed to the University of Alabama to study finance and play for the Alabama Crimson Tide golf team. Despite battling tendonitis in his left wrist during his freshman season, he achieved his first individual collegiate win at the Linger Longer Invitational in March 2023.
Nicholas Dunlap Career
Early Career (2024)
In January 2024, Dunlap received a sponsor exemption to play in The American Express on the PGA Tour. He made headlines by shooting a 12-under 60 in the third round, tying the record for the lowest round by an amateur on the PGA Tour. He went on to win the tournament, becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991. This victory propelled him to the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Following this success, Dunlap announced his transition to professional golf and accepted PGA Tour membership.
Breakthrough (2024)
After turning professional, Dunlap faced challenges in adapting to life on the PGA Tour. He recorded only one top-10 finish in his first six months and struggled in the major championships. However, in July 2024, he secured his second PGA Tour win at the Barracuda Championship, becoming the first player in PGA Tour history to win in the same season as both an amateur and a professional. His remarkable achievements earned him the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award for 2024.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nicholas Dunlap’s signature achievements include winning the U.S. Junior Amateur, the U.S. Amateur, and a PGA Tour event, making him the first amateur to accomplish this feat. His victory at The American Express and subsequent success on the PGA Tour have established him as a rising star in professional golf.
Nicholas Dunlap Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicholas Dunlap has received notable nominations, including the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 2024, highlighting his impressive debut season as a professional golfer.
Nicholas Dunlap Awards Won
Nicholas Dunlap has achieved significant recognition in his career, including winning the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award in 2024, marking a successful start to his professional journey.
Nicholas Dunlap Family
Nicholas Dunlap is the only child of Charlene and Jim Dunlap. Details about his family life remain private, but his parents have been supportive of his golfing career from a young age.
Personal Life
Information regarding Nicholas Dunlap’s personal life, including relationships or children, is not publicly available. He remains focused on his career as a professional golfer, continuing to make strides in the sport.
