American golfer claims $1.5 million prize from tournament, unable to deposit due to financial constraints.
Young golfing prodigy Nick Dunlap experienced a whirlwind of fortune last year, earning a tantalizing $1,512,000 at the PGA Tour's American Express tournament, only to forfeit it as an amateur player. In an interview with CNN Sports, Dunlap expresses a tinge of regret, yet finds solace in his venture's ultimate reward: a trophy.
Dunlap's impressive debut on the professional circuit wasn't an unexpected twist for those who had been following his stellar amateur career. Just months prior, he joined Tiger Woods as one of the only two men to win both the US Junior Amateur and the US Amateur titles.
His success continued by becoming the tour's second youngest champion in 90 years and the first amateur champion since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Yet, his groundbreaking achievement came with an astonishing condition: as an amateur player, he was obligated to relinquish the cash prize.
Amidst his prolific rise in the sport, Dunlap describes himself as an adrenaline junkie, thriving on the thrill of competition and feeding off his parents' competitive spirit. Shortly after his triumphant California win, Dunlap left his studies at the University of Alabama to join the PGA Tour.
Initially, he encountered challenges on the course, with only one top-10 finish in six months and missing the cut in three major tournaments. However, he managed to pocket a tidy $3 million for his first season as a pro golfer. Adjusting to adult life proved more taxing off the course, according to Dunlap, who revealed learning how to manage finances, taxes, and accountants was a significant change for him.
Despite his youthful exuberance and teasing from more established players, Dunlap savors his childlike outlook on the sport. Ranked among the top 40 golfers globally, he's still aiming for major tournament victories, particularly the Masters, where he's yet to make a weekend appearance in five attempts.
After a rocky start at the 2024 Masters Tournament, where he missed the cut and hit a spectator with his first tee shot, Dunlap remains undeterred. He's eager to grow as a player and proud of his accomplishments so far, regarding his professional career as the realization of a lifelong dream.
Additional Insights:After turning professional, Nick Dunlap's performance in major tournaments has been strenuous. In the 2024 Masters Tournament, which was his first major as a professional, he missed the cut with a score of 7-over (77-74)[1][4]. Additionally, Nick Dunlap failed to make the cut in any of the major championships in 2024, largely due to poor performance off the tee[4]. His struggles with driving have continued into the 2025 season, where he ranks poorly in driving accuracy and strokes gained off the tee[4]. Despite these challenges, Dunlap hasmanaged to secure notable victories after going professional, including winning again at the Barracuda Championship[4]. However, his major performances have yet to propel him to the same level of success.
Dunlap, now a professional golfer, earlier gave up a substantial cash prize of $1,512,000 as an amateur champion. Despite the financial loss, he aims to win major tournaments, including the Masters, for which he has yet to qualify for the weekend round in five attempts. Despite his struggles with major tournaments and driving accuracy, Dunlap has secured victories such as the Barracuda Championship, keeping his youthful enthusiasm intact.
