Four tough days for the new PGA Tour champion.

American Nick Dunlap, 20 years old, has just spent four days reflecting as a golden opportunity to advance his golf career presented itself with a historic achievement on the PGA Tour at The American Express 2024.

"That decision seems simple, but it's the hardest I've ever made. Because it affects so many people, especially the coach and the school's golf team, not just me," Dunlap said, breaking down in tears on January 25th during her announcement of leaving amateur status to turn professional.

Nick Dunlap was emotional after winning the American Express championship at La Quinta, California on January 21, 2024. Photo: AP

This change was intended to help him advance his career after becoming the first amateur golfer to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years, at The American Express on January 21st. This was a surprising result, as he was the only amateur among the initial list of 156 golfers competing. With that victory, Dunlap was granted a full playing pass until the end of the 2026 season by the governing body of the top-tier American golf tour. This year alone, he has the right to participate in seven special group tournaments, where finishing last in each tournament will earn him at least $40,000.

However, to receive all those benefits, Dunlap must declare himself a professional. If he remains an amateur, he will continue to be a key player on the University of Alabama golf team, but will only be allowed to compete in a maximum of 12 regular PGA Tour tournaments each season until 2026.

In fact, Dunlap could receive a full PGA Tour card after the 2024 season concludes. However, doing so would significantly reduce his opportunities for further developing his golf career.

Right after The American Express, Dunlap had a spot at this week's Farmers Insurance Open. However, he returned home to Alabama to discuss his future with his family and advisors.

During Dunlap's deliberation, the University of Alabama golf team was his biggest obstacle, as he feared upsetting them by announcing his departure in the middle of the national college golf season. "It's hard to say, because everyone would be caught off guard by my change of plans," Dunlap added, expressing his concern.

But then, the sophomore decided to go "pro," thereby earning a full PGA Tour pass. "That's a golden ticket and a dream I've always had. Now that I have the opportunity, I have to seize it." Dunlap said that in the coming months, he will continue to hone his skills with the Alabama golf team.

Dunlap will begin his professional golf career as a full member of the PGA Tour at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California from February 1-4. This tournament is a special event in the 2024 PGA Tour calendar. Regarding this year's four majors, Dunlap qualified for the Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, and the US Open in June. For the remaining major – The Open in July – he will have to qualify through the Official World Grand Slam (OWGR) due to his decision to become pro, which resulted in him losing the wildcard he obtained by winning the 2023 US Amateur.

This week, Dunlap is ranked 68th on the OWGR, up 4,061 places from last week. This is a record jump in OWGR history, dating back to its debut year in 1986, when Dunlap won The American Express 2024.

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