• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, October 21, 2025

First Amateur PGA Tour Win Since ’91 Is a Nice Payday for Everyone Else

  • Nick Dunlap, 20, won The American Express tournament this weekend.
  • As an amateur, Dunlap is not allowed to accept any prize money.
Desert Sun

Normally, a bunch of professional golfers losing to a college student would be a tad bit embarrassing. But Nick Dunlap’s historic victory at The American Express ended up being a financial boon for the other 66 golfers that earned a piece of the $8.4 million overall purse for making the cut.

Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore at Alabama, became the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991, but was not allowed to accept the $1,512,000 winner’s check since he hasn’t turned professional yet. That sum went to Christiaan Bezuidenhout, the 29-year-old South African pro who finished in second place. Everybody else also got a little more than they would have if an amateur had not won on Sunday in California’s Coachella Valley. Here’s what some of the top finishers won, thanks to Dunlap’s amateur status (and would have otherwise won):

  • 2nd place: Christiaan Bezuidenhout $1,512,000 ($915,600)
  • Tied for 3rd: Kevin Yu $635,600 ($445,200)
  • Tied for 3rd: Xander Schauffele $635,600 ($445,200)
  • Tied for 3rd: Justin Thomas $635,600 ($445,200)
  • Tied for 6th: Sam Burns $310,800 ($283,500)
  • Tied for 6th: Michael Kim $310,800 ($283,500)
  • Tied for 6th: Adam Hadwin $310,800 ($283,500)

While the full allotment of prize money was still paid out in lieu of Dunlap’s win, no one in the field received the 500 FedEx Cup points available to the winner of The American Express.

Will Amateur Turn Pro?

Dunlap’s victory gives him full membership status on the PGA Tour through the 2026 season, but after the tournament he said he wasn’t sure when he would officially turn professional. He was already set to play this week’s Farmers Insurance Open under a sponsor’s exemption.

No matter what he decides, Dunlap will be playing at the Masters in April. He had earned an invite by way of his U.S. Amateur win last summer, but that was contingent on him not turning pro. His PGA Tour victory on Sunday secured his spot at Augusta, pro or amateur. Dunlap also has an NIL deal with Adidas.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jamier Brown

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 14, 2025; Birmingham, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel.

SEC Coaches Sound Off on NIL, Revenue-Sharing: ‘Upside Down’

John Calipari doesn’t want to become “transactional.”

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Malonga

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 19, 2025

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.
Kevin Durant
October 19, 2025

Durant’s $30M Discount Still Makes Him Highest NBA Career Earner

The deal will put Durant at $598 million in career earnings.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center
October 16, 2025

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.