• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 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

Apr 9, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrons move about the course during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Amazon Will Air Early Masters Coverage

Prime will complement the coverage provided by CBS Sports and ESPN
January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener Won’t Be Played At Kapalua

The Sentry’s longtime home is no longer able to host the tournament.
Sep 12, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) looks to pass during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Rose Bowl.

UCLA-Tennessee QB Trade Has Been Painful So Far

Iamaleava abruptly left Tennessee for UCLA this past offseason.

Dexter Fowler Wants to Change the Narrative on Athlete Ownership

The former MLB All-Star owns a stake in Premier League team Bournemouth.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.