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It was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Just five days after etching his name into the history books, American Express winner Nick Dunlap has made up his mind.

The 20-year-old become the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991, with his heroics at La Quinta in California last week.

With entry into this season’s signature events an immediate reward of the triumph, Dunlap believes that is an opportunity too good to turn down.

In an emotional press conference, the Alabama sophomore announced he will turn professional and take up PGA Tour membership through 2026.

A tearful Dunlap said: “First of all, I want to say that choosing the University of Alabama is the greatest decision I’ve ever made.

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“I’ve grown as a person, as a player since Coach Seawell first recruited me.

“I was a little s***, I’m not going to lie, but I’ve learned a lot and I’m very grateful for my team here. I couldn’t be happier with where I decided to come.

“My parents, through all the ups and downs have always been there, whether that’s driving through the night to see me play golf or getting up early. I’m kind of first starting to understand how expensive golf is, so thank you.”

Dunlap, who has enjoyed a glittering amateur career, also became the first reigning U.S. Amateur champ to win on tour since Tiger Woods in 1996.

As a result, he earned invitations to the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

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It comes after his university head coach branded him ‘iconic’ after holding off Sam Burns, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas on Sunday.

“Coach Seawell, we’ve been through a lot,” added Dunlap, who wiped tears from his eyes.

“I didn’t want to play for anyone else. Hopefully, I’ve represented Alabama golf well. To my teammates, being your teammate has been a blast for me.”

Dunlap will make his professional debut next week at Pebble Beach for the AT&T Pro-Am, which starts on February 1.