In a jaw-dropping display of resilience and sheer talent, 20-year-old Nick Dunlap has burst back onto the PGA Tour scene with a vengeance, stunning spectators at the Sanderson Farms Championship with his electrifying performance. Wearing a white notepad emblazoned with “ROLL TIDE” in bold Crimson red, Dunlap walked to turn in his scorecard, showcasing not just his golfing prowess but his unwavering spirit.
After a grueling four-year hiatus due to a catastrophic car accident in June 2018, which left him with six broken ribs, a shattered leg, and a collapsed lung, Dunlap’s return to the greens is nothing short of miraculous. The young golfer, who last competed in the 2020 Fortinet Championship, has defied the odds and made a triumphant comeback, currently resting at an impressive 16 under par in the Sanderson Farms Championship.
Dunlap’s journey back to professional golf is a testament to his incredible determination. Following the life-altering accident, his recovery was marred by numerous surgeries and complications, including the painful removal of plates from his chest and a near-fatal infection. Despite these harrowing setbacks, Dunlap never lost sight of his dream. “I’m playing better than I feel,” Dunlap admitted, emphasizing that his return was fueled by an unyielding passion for the game he loves.
But what truly sets Dunlap apart is not just his skill with a golf club, but his remarkable ability to bounce back from adversity. During his four-year break, he didn’t just sit idle—he traded his clubs for bows and arrows, and fishing poles, honing a different set of skills while also reconnecting with nature through deer hunting in Tennessee and fishing adventures. “I just went to the Alabama football game last week,” Dunlap shared, highlighting his deep-rooted love for everything Alabama.
Dunlap’s roots run deep in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he played collegiate golf for the Alabama Crimson Tide before turning pro earlier this year. His meteoric rise began with an unprecedented victory at the American Express in January, making him the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years. This victory catapulted him to the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking, solidifying his status as a rising star in the golf world.
Despite his age, Dunlap’s accomplishments are already monumental. With 16 events under his belt in 2024—14 on the PGA Tour and 2 on the Korn Ferry Tour—and two victories, he’s quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. His impressive earnings of $2,878,325 and a slew of top-10 finishes demonstrate that his time away from the sport has only sharpened his competitive edge. “My golf swing is virtually the same. I’m lucky that even though I’ve had so many things happen to my side, I haven’t lost any speed or anything, and my range of motion is the same,” Dunlap proudly declared, showcasing his undiminished skill despite his physical struggles.
But Dunlap’s story isn’t just about personal triumph. It’s also about the mentorship and support that has propelled him forward. At just 10 years old, he met Al Del Greco, a former NFL placekicker, who helped him refine his kicking game ahead of the NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick competition. This unlikely mentorship laid the foundation for Dunlap’s disciplined approach to golf, enabling him to shoot an astonishing 59 in a junior tournament just two years later—a feat that seemed impossible for the young golfer.
Dunlap’s path has been anything but conventional. Homeschooled through the International Virtual Learning Academy, he leveraged the flexibility to compete in numerous golf tournaments, understanding early on the financial demands of the sport. “Golf is a very expensive game. I learned that quickly,” he reflected, now reaping the rewards of his hard work and strategic career moves.
As the Sanderson Farms Championship progresses, all eyes are on Nick Dunlap to see if he can continue his stellar performance and secure his first tournament win this season. His presence on the leaderboard is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for young athletes facing their own battles. “I work as hard as I can,” Dunlap affirmed, embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication that defines true champions.
Will Nick Dunlap’s miraculous return culminate in a tournament win, further cementing his legacy as one of golf’s most inspiring young talents? As he stands poised on the brink of greatness, the golfing world watches with bated breath, ready to applaud the next chapter in this extraordinary comeback story. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
