Nick Dunlap branded ‘iconic’ by his coach

Could we have witnessed the story of the year already?

University of Alabama student Nick Dunlap became the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991, when he claimed the American Express last week.

The 20-year-old, in a final group with Sam Burns and Justin Thomas, held off the Ryder Cup stars to make history and join elite company.

Dunlap’s win also means he is the first reigning U.S. Amateur champ to win on tour since Tiger Woods in 1996.

While the sophomore could not collect the $1.5 million first place prize, the opportunity to earn that sort of cash will come around again.

Alabama men’s head coach Jay Seawell has said Dunlap holds ‘all the cards’, having already established himself as ‘iconic’.

“I don’t think he’s a 15-minutes-of-fame kind of kid,” Seawell told Golf Today.

“I think he’s iconic. I think he’s historic. I think he has an opportunity to be something large in this game for many, many, many years.”

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After the win, wrapped up by a six-foot par save on the 18th hole at PGA West in La Quinta, Dunlap was asked for his next move.

Grinning, he said: “I have no idea. … That’s something that it doesn’t just affect me; it affects a lot of people – coach back there and my teammates – and it’s a conversation I need to have with a lot of people before I make that decision.”

Sunday’s success means Dunlap has tour status locked up through 2026, while he now has invitations to the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

And Seawell admits he will urge his star pupil to consider when will be the best time to move into the professional ranks.

“He’s got a card. He’s part of the PGA Tour. It’s just a matter of when he wants to use that option,” he added.

“There’s a purity about college golf. But I’m also smart enough to know there’s a big world out there waiting for all of our guys, it’s just a matter of when.

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“When is Nick’s when, we’ll find that out pretty shortly.

“When are you going to be successful, because that’s the most important. Don’t allow the quickness or the temptations of this decision to get in the way of that.”

Meanwhile, Dunlap has taken the decision to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open this week after having a sponsors invite up his sleeve.

The college star published a statement, which read: “After a life changing last 24 hours, I’ve decided to withdraw from the Farmers Insurance Open.

“I plan to return home to Alabama to be with family, friends and teammates. Thank you to Farmers Insurance and American Express for giving me these opportunities.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.