Nick Dunlap’s victory at the American Express will never be forgotten. After all, the 20-year-old became the only golfer in the last 34 years to win as an amateur on the PGA Tour, following in the footsteps of Phil Mickelson’s 1991 victory. That win opened many pathways for the young golfer, as he was promised a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and entry into all the signature and elevated events.

However, what he couldn’t bag after the AmEx win was the $1.512 million and the 500 FedExCup points because he was an amateur and not a PGA Tour member. Coming to his second PGA Tour victory, Dunlap won the Barracuda Championship with a 2-point lead as the only event following the Modified Stableford format. He became the only player in the Tour’s history to win as an amateur and a professional in a single season.

After missing out on the winner’s cut at the AmEx, will Dunlap take home the Barracuda Championship’s money? Absolutely! As he turned professional and accepted the PGA Tour membership, the 20-year-old will receive the $720,000 winner’s check along with 300 FedExCup points. The recent win at Tahoe Mountain Club will catapult the rookie pro into the top 70 in the Official World Golf Rankings, attaining the best rank of his career.

Winning the Barracuda Championship was indeed more rewarding than the American Express for several reasons. Firstly, Dunlap got the chance to carve his name in the PGA Tour history books. Additionally, many other benefits were unlocked for the 20-year-old pro, including one particular goal he had been eyeing for a long time.

Barracuda Championship win secures Nick Dunlap’s playoff goal

As known, the FedExCup playoff will start with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where only the top 70 from the FedExCup Standings will qualify to play. Before winning the Barracuda Championship, Dunlap was 95th in the standings and ineligible for the event. However, after gaining 300 points, he has moved to 63rd and qualified for the St. Jude Championship for now.

Talking to the PGA Tour, Dunlap revealed how it had been on his bucket list. He said, “It’s been a goal. It’s, honestly, one of the reasons I played here.” From a career money perspective, the prize purse of the Barracuda Championship was indeed the biggest thing that Nick Dunlap earned from Tahoe Mountain Club, as he now has earned $1.255 million in the 2024 season. However, there were far better pathways opened for the 20-year-old which would help him improve his career too.

The first benefit was Dunlap’s exemption on the PGA Tour. After winning the AmEx, the two-time PGA Tour winner was exempted through 2026, but now he gets a three-year exemption and can play through 2027. Additionally, he secured his seat at the 2025 PLAYERS Championship and the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club. So, the Barracuda Championship victory gives Dunlap more than one reason to celebrate his win and enjoy the moment.

The golfer will next be seen at the 3M Open with his parents, as he emotionally celebrated the victory with them over a call and confirmed his presence there. With great momentum, Dunlap might conquer TPC Twin Cities too, and secure another win for his growing career.