Nick Dunlap announces he’s turning pro after PGA victory

(Alabama Athletics)

University of Alabama star golfer Nick Dunlap had quite the week.

Just this past weekend, Dunlap became the first amateur to win a PGA event since Phil Mickelson in 1991. As a result of his amateur status, he was forced to forfeit the $1.5 million prize he would have earned if he were a pro.

Since, there has been plenty of speculation as to whether he will choose to turn pro or finish out his career at Alabama. Dunlap put those questions to rest on Thursday morning.

After witnessing Alabama’s win on the basketball court over Auburn on Wednesday night, Dunlap announced to the media at a press conference that he will be turning pro.

RELATED: Alabama’s Nick Dunlap first amateur PGA Tour winner since Phil Mickelson

Dunlap thanked everyone at the University in a tearful statement before making the announcement he described as the “easiest-hardest decision” he ever had to make.

A native of Huntsville, Dunlap is already extremely accomplished at just 20 years old. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2021 as well as the U.S. Amateur in 2023, joining Tiger Woods as the only two players to accomplish both feats.

Dunlap will make his debut officially as a professional next week at one of golf’s most iconic course, Pebble Beach, in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP

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