In a recent USGA press conference before the U.S. Open, CEO Mike Whan, president Fred Perpall, and chief championships officer John Bodenhamer discussed the possibility of amateurs being paid their share of event winnings.
Whan highlighted the evolving landscape of college athletics and the introduction of NIL (name, image, likeness) as a factor that the USGA has been monitoring closely. He acknowledged that golf has been ahead of the curve in this regard, and hinted at potential changes in the future to accommodate amateur players.
The following press conference featured Nick Dunlap, the most recent amateur to win a PGA Tour event at the American Express in January.
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Nick Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Alabama, did not receive any prize money after his win at the American Express due to amateur regulations.
Nick Dunlap reacts after winning the The American Express at Pete Dye Stadium Course on January 21, 2024 in La Quinta, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Dunlap expressed a desire for some financial support at the end of tournament weeks to help with expenses, but he did not advocate for full prize money compensation for amateurs.
Dunlap’s victory at the American Express made him the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991, setting a new tournament record.
Despite missing out on a significant paycheck, Dunlap turned professional soon after his win and has found success on the PGA Tour, earning over $1 million for the season and ranking 93rd in FedEx Cup points.
Reflecting on his journey, Dunlap expressed gratitude for achieving his childhood dream of competing on the PGA Tour and learning valuable lessons along the way.
