Nick Dunlap burst onto the scene in January when he received the American Specific 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 value 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 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 saved the cash. Nonetheless, he couldn’t take his victory verify at American Specific as a result of he performed as an newbie.
Dunlap made historical past once more in 2024, and it’s uncommon to do this on the PGA Tour. Since his win in January, he has had some rising pains.
In 18 occasions, he has 3 high 10s, 6 High 25s, and made 12 of 18 cuts. At 20, it may be exhausting to regulate to life on the Tour, however after a protracted few months, he got here out on high once more.
Let’s look at why this 2nd victory is so vital.
The primary participant in PGA Tour historical past to attain this feat
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25541198/2162965258.jpg)
Picture by Al Chang/ISI Pictures/Getty Pictures
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 mentioned after his win. “It’s been robust after AmEx. You lose confidence and marvel if you are able to do it once more. I actually have the best staff and so they help me, consider in me, push me, and so they’re the explanation that I’m right here.”
His 9-under 62 on the Tahoe Mountain Membership was extraordinarily spectacular, and hopefully, it gave him some confidence transferring 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 prolong his season
The teenager acquired 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 effectively, the Alabama native might make it to the BMW Championship.
Regardless of his struggles earlier this 12 months, a win like this might come on the proper time for him to make a late soar and lengthen his season.
Making a stronger argument for the younger wave hitting the PGA Tour
The younger gamers proceed to indicate out on the PGA Tour this season. Dunlap’s second win is a fair stronger argument as a result of it reveals they will grasp with the veteran gamers.
At 20 years outdated, Dunlap is a 2-time PGA Tour winner. He joins the likes of Tom Kim and plenty 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 underneath his belt now, so be careful. This win in California might be simply the beginning for him.
His subsequent likelihood to garner factors shall be this week in Minnesota for the 3M Open.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. For extra golf protection, observe us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may as well observe her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
