HISTORY on the PGA Tour: Nick Dunlap Becomes First Amateur To Win On Tour Since Phil Mickelson In 1991

Sean M. Haffey. Getty Images.

Nick Dunlap just made significant history at the American Express, becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. 

The 20-year-old Alabama sophomore is the reigning U.S. Amateur champion after joining Tiger Woods as the only players to win both the U.S. Junior and the U.S. Amateur. He entered the final round with a three-shot lead after shooting a 12-under 60 at La Quinta on Saturday afternoon. He played alongside fellow 'Bama golf legend Justin Thomas and Sam Burns in the final group and saw his lead disappear after a triple-bogey 7 on the 7th hole coincided with a birdie from Burns. 

Burns, a five-time winner on tour, had a one-shot lead heading to the par-5 16th. But he played his second shot well right of the green and couldn't get up-and-down for birdie. That opened the door for Dunlap, who did manage an up-and-in for a birdie to catch Burns at -29. That gave him the honors on the par-3 17th "Alcatraz," which features an island green, and Dunlap played safely to the middle of the green. That's when Burns blinked, fanning a short iron short and right into the water. 

Dunlap two-putted for par and briefly enjoyed a two-shot lead with just one hole to go until Christian Bezuidenhout birdied the finisher to get to -28. That meant Dunlap would need to par the last to win in regulation, a proposition made more difficult by a fanned 3-wood off the tee—and a lengthy wait as Burns worked with officials to determine where to drop after rinsing yet another ball on 18. Dunlap played his approach well right and got a fortunate bounce into some fairway grass just right of the green. He played a low skipper with his third that trickled out to just short of six feet. He poured it in the center and let out a gutteral yell. 

With the win, Dunlap earns exemptions into the Masters, PGA Championship, Players Championship and is now exempt on the PGA Tour through the end of 2026. Should he turn professional, he will immediately be exempt into all the signature events for the rest of the year. He will not get the $1.5 million winner's check for winning the American Express—Bezuidenhout, who finished second, gets the winner's check—but will have plenty of dollars in his future.