The PGA Tour named Nick Dunlap (USA) this year’s Rookie of the Year. Dunlap made history by winning a tournament as an amateur, then securing another victory after turning professional, setting a historic record in the PGA Tour.
On Friday, the PGA Tour announced that Dunlap was selected as Rookie of the Year with the highest votes in a player poll. Among players who participated in 15 or more tournaments, Dunlap garnered 57% of the votes, surpassing other nominees, including Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp (both USA), and Matthieu Pavon (France).
At the age of 20 years, 11 months, and 12 days, Dunlap became the second-youngest recipient of the PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Award, following Jordan Spieth (USA), who won it in 2013 at the age of 20 years and 2 months.
While attending the University of Alabama, Dunlap won the American Express tournament in January, becoming the first amateur winner in 33 years since Phil Mickelson (USA) in 1991.
After turning professional in July, he claimed another victory at the Barracuda Championship. Dunlap is the first player in PGA Tour history to win tournaments as both an amateur and a professional in the same season.
Before his professional debut, Dunlap held the top spot in the amateur world rankings. He also achieved back-to-back victories in the 2021 US Junior Amateur Championship and the 2023 US Amateur Championship. Dunlap is only the second player to win both events, following Tiger Woods (USA).
Reflecting on his achievements, Dunlap described the past year as an incredible and humbling journey. He added that he had learned much more than he did in college.
Dunlap’s remarkable accomplishments signal the rise of a new generation in the PGA Tour. His future endeavors are expected to draw significant attention to golf.
Most Commented