Alabama Golfer Dunlap's History-Making Win Comes with NIL Boost
Nick Dunlap looked like any other PGA Tour player at The American Express played last weekend at several venues, anchored by the PGA West Private Clubhouse & Golf Course.
Dunlap strolled the course with his adidas logo on his hat and golf shirt, along with a TaylorMade logo on his golf bag and hat. On the PGA Tour, that sort of sponsorship is part and parcel with professional play.
Only thing is, Dunlap isn’t a professional. He’s actually a sophomore at the University of Alabama. When he finished 29-under par to win the event, he became the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years.
The last amateur to win a PGA Tour event was Phil Mickelson, who won the Tucson Open in 1991.
Dunlap didn’t get to enjoy any of the $8 million purse. But, unlike Mickelson back in 1991, he made money.
In the age of Name, Image and Likeness, Dunlap didn’t just pull a random hat off the shelf or grab the first golf bag he saw. Dunlap has NIL deals with both companies.
So even though he didn’t win prize money, he got paid — and so did his sponsors, thanks to the television exposure and Dunlap’s win.
“Clearly a fantastic outcome in terms of the visibility they’re receiving,” said Scott Rosner to PGATour.com. Rosner is the program director of the Sports Management Program at Columbia University, where he is also a professor.
Dunlap already has an impressive resume. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2021 and the U.S. Amateur in 2023. He has played for the U.S. Walker Cup team, the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup. He shot a 59 at age 13 and was ranked No. 16 in the college ranks after his freshman season. He may turn pro soon.
Dunlap’s trophy is timeless. But thanks to NIL he doesn’t walk away from his history-making win empty-handed.
