Every golfer knows that sinking feeling. Walking off the 18th green after a disastrous round, the scorecard feels heavier than your golf bag. Your mind replays every wayward drive, every three-putt, every chunked chip. This exact nightmare scenario unfolded for Nick Dunlap at Augusta National during the opening round of the 2025 Masters. The 21-year-old rising star posted an eye-watering 18-over-par 90, one of the worst rounds in modern Masters history. Most players might have packed their bags. They might have cited an injury. They might have simply disappeared into the Georgia pines. Not Dunlap.

Instead, he returned the next day and delivered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major championship history. He carded an impressive 71, and this sure calls for praise. Paige Spiranac understands it! After all, she knows the struggle of golf. 

Paige Spiranac posted on X that she has “massive” respect for Dunlap for shooting under par today. She pointed out, “he could have easily WD, but he stuck it out and came back with a great round! We’ve all been there. Golf can eat you alive but your next great round is always right around the corner.” This isn’t the first time Spiranac has stood up for players facing difficult moments.

Last year, she defended Rory McIlroy after his heartbreaking collapse at the US Open. When McIlroy missed a crucial putt on the 18th hole and quickly left Pinehurst without facing the media, many criticized him. Spiranac took a different stance. “Hot take but I don’t care when athletes do this,” she stated. “I feel for Rory right now and can’t even imagine how he’s feeling. Cut him a break.” Her empathetic approach to players’ struggles continues to resonate with golf fans.

This consistent pattern of support from Spiranac reveals something important about the golf world at large. The community rallies behind players during their darkest moments. The remarkable 19-stroke improvement tied the record for the largest score differential between rounds one and two in men’s major championship history.

Despite the comeback, Dunlap still missed the cut by 15 strokes. The cut line at the 2025 Masters was set at 2-over par. Only the top 50 players and ties advanced to the weekend. This marked a stricter threshold compared to recent years. Several big names joined Dunlap on the wrong side of the cut line. Phil Mickelson (+4) struggled with inconsistent putting. Brooks Koepka (+5) faltered with three double bogeys in Round 2. Former champion Adam Scott (+5) saw his chances derailed by three-putts and missed short birdie opportunities.

While Dunlap’s turnaround was impressive, it’s worth noting that Augusta National has witnessed even more spectacular comebacks throughout its storied history.

Historic Masters comebacks highlight Augusta’s dramatic potential

Dunlap’s intra-tournament rebound recalls other legendary Masters moments. Jack Burke Jr. owns the record for the largest final-round comeback in 1956. He overcame an eight-shot deficit to win as Ken Venturi collapsed with a final-round 80 in brutal conditions.

Gary Player’s 1978 comeback also stands out in Masters lore. Down seven shots, the South African fired a stunning 64 to win by a single stroke. He birdied seven of his final ten holes to secure his third green jacket.

Nick Faldo’s 1996 triumph over Greg Norman might be the most famous comeback. He erased a six-shot deficit with a steady 67 while Norman imploded with a final-round 78. The Australians’ collapse at Amen Corner, particularly the 12th hole, remains one of golf’s most painful memories.

Despite missing the cut, Dunlap’s resilient second round showed the mental fortitude champions need. Augusta National humbles even the greatest players. The ability to bounce back demonstrates the character required for future success.

What’s your worst round followed by a great comeback? Let us know in the comments section below!