Nick Dunlap has had an incredible ascent to fame in the golfing world by beginning the year as a collegiate golfer and making history by winning The American Express in January, and also becoming the first amateur to secure a PGA Tour victory since 1991. After this victory, Dunlap made the move to the professional ranks and maintained his strong play by winning the Barracuda Championship in July. The 20-year-old is the youngest winner of the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award since Jordan Spieth in 2013 because of his absolutely brilliant performances ever since he turned pro.

Dunlap’s journey provides an intriguing look at the transition between education and a budding professional golf career in a sport where greats like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth made comparable leaps. However, beneath the glitz of his career, there is a question that has both fans and critics talking: Has Nick Dunlap swapped books for birdies in his pursuit of golfing greatness, or is he still enrolled in college?

From campus to the course: Dunlap’s college journey

Dunlap attended homeschool until he started college and hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, he began his collegiate career at the University of Alabama as a finance major student. The university is known for its academic and athletic success. With its top-notch training facilities and track record of producing athletes of pro caliber, the University seemed like the perfect spot for him to begin his career. Dunlap thrived while playing for the Crimson Tide golf team, earning accolades and establishing his reputation as an exceptional athlete.

However, an immense challenge was presented by the lure of professional golf combined with the relentless responsibilities of collegiate life. After Dunlap gained opportunities to play with seasoned PGA Tour pros and participated in prestigious competitions like the U.S. Amateur, rumors that he was ‘dropping out’ of college started to circulate. 

According to people close to the golfer, he was initially determined to finish his degree, but the rapid advancement of his profession may have caused him to prioritize golf. Dunlap hasn’t formally “dropped out” of college, but he did finish a few semesters at Alabama before stepping away from formal study to concentrate on his PGA Tour career and golf career at the moment. So how has it been going for him so far?

What’s next in line for Nick Dunlap?

In the golf industry, where chances frequently present themselves at an early age, Dunlap’s choice to put his professional career first is not unusual. Legends like Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson made similar decisions, succeeding on the PGA Tour while not completing their higher education. “It was the easiest, hardest decision that I’ve ever had to make,” Nick said in an interview with USA Today when asked how he felt about having to pick between his passion and his education. “I was very fortunate that everyone had the same opinion about it, and my teammates were awesome and very supportive. It goes back to the family that Alabama has; they were very supportive and wanted me to chase my dreams.”

Leaving college comes with its share of difficulties. However, Dunlap feels that the choice was well-considered rather than gut-driven. He placed a gamble on himself, and it is currently paying off. “For me, it just gave me something to think on that I always knew that I could do it, and now I proved myself that I did it,” he said after being crowned the 2024 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. 

A new generation of golfers is being inspired by Dunlap’s tale as he continues to rise through the professional golf ranks with confidence. Nick Dunlap is now happy where he is: on the fairways and greens, establishing himself on the greatest stages in the world. Regardless of whether Nick Dunlap is a full-time professional or a student-athlete, one thing is certain: his tale is only getting started. What are your thoughts on Dunlap’s achievement and future holdings? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!