Nick Dunlap burst onto the scene in January when he received the American Categorical and have become the primary newbie since Phil Mickelson to win on the PGA Tour.
He added to his legacy Sunday as he received for the second time on the Barracuda Championship in California.
At this occasion, the PGA Tour performs a Modified Stableford scoring system. Birdies are price two factors, eagles 5, and double eagles are eight. Gamers lose one level for bogeys and three for double bogeys.
The previous Alabama Crimson Tide golfer matched the very best single-day scoring mark of the week. He signed for 19 factors with seven birdies and an eagle higher referred to as a 62 in stroke play. Dunlap earned a complete of 49 factors to defeat Vince Whaley by two.
All of it modified for Dunlap at 15 when he made an enormous 55-foot eagle putt that gave him the solo lead.
He earned $720,000 for this win and stored the cash. Nevertheless, he couldn’t take his victory test at American Categorical as a result of he performed as an newbie.
Dunlap made historical past once more in 2024, and it’s uncommon to try this on the PGA Tour. Since his win in January, he has had some rising pains.
In 18 occasions, he has 3 prime 10s, 6 Prime 25s, and made 12 of 18 cuts. At 20, it may be arduous to regulate to life on the Tour, however after a protracted few months, he got here out on prime once more.
Let’s study why this 2nd victory is so vital.
The primary participant in PGA Tour historical past to attain this feat
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Photograph by Al Chang/ISI Pictures/Getty Photographs
It’s uncommon for a rookie to win on the PGA Tour, a lot much less as an newbie. He marks the primary PGA Tour participant to win as an newbie and rookie in the identical season.
The final rookie to win twice on the PGA Tour additionally received for the second time in 2024 at the Open Championship on Sunday. Xander Schauffele received twice in 2017 throughout his freshman marketing campaign.
“I by no means thought I might have my title subsequent to that, however it’s an honor,” Dunlap stated after his win. “It’s been robust after AmEx. You lose confidence and surprise if you are able to do it once more. I really have the best staff they usually help me, imagine in me, push me, they usually’re the rationale that I’m right here.”
His 9-under 62 on the Tahoe Mountain Membership was extraordinarily spectacular, and hopefully, it gave him some confidence shifting ahead.
Dunlap is rewriting historical past books and reminding the remainder of the PGA Tour of the expertise these younger gamers possess.
Dunlap might now lengthen his season
The teenager obtained 300 FedEx Cup factors, which pushed him to No. 64 within the standings. His present rating will get him into the FedEx St. Jude Championship, but when he continues to play properly, the Alabama native might make it to the BMW Championship.
Regardless of his struggles earlier this yr, a win like this might come on the proper time for him to make a late bounce and delay his season.
Making a stronger argument for the younger wave hitting the PGA Tour
The younger gamers proceed to point out out on the PGA Tour this season. Dunlap’s second win is an excellent stronger argument as a result of it reveals they’ll cling with the veteran gamers.
At 20 years outdated, Dunlap is a 2-time PGA Tour winner. He joins the likes of Tom Kim and lots of different stars who burst onto the scene. Have a look at Ludvig Åberg. He has two victories — one DP World Tour and one PGA Tour.
The kids are taking up and making the competitors much more fierce. Dunlap has some momentum beneath his belt now, so be careful. This win in California may very well be simply the beginning for him.
His subsequent probability to garner factors will likely be this week in Minnesota for the 3M Open.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
