‘Can’t Get Paid’: Fans Erupt in Support for Nick Dunlap’s Farmers Insurance Shocker Post $1.5M Backlash

A young talent on the greens! A term that can be used to aptly describe Nick Dunlap, who clinched a win at the 2024 American Express. Interestingly, he had managed to turn many heads owing to the setback he experienced regarding the winner’s cut of $1.5 million. However, it seems he has continued to attract attention even after his victory, courtesy of the upcoming Farmers Insurance Open.

An update was shared by the golfer revealing his plans for the upcoming PGA Tour event, all the while divulging how he’s not playing at the same. But what followed his shocking decision was a surprising development, as many fans took to the Instagram post in support of the amateur!

Nick Dunlap drops out of the Farmers Insurance Open

Dunlap went ahead and issued a statement following his first PGA Tour win, explaining the reason behind his decision to withdraw from the upcoming tournament set to start on January 24. The amateur revealed how he planned to “return home to Alabama to be with family, friends and teammates.”

Adding on, he expressed his gratitude to Farmers Insurance Open and the recently ended American Express for “giving” him “these opportunities.”. Although this does come as a shocker for many, it does make a bit of sense when looking at the victory coupled with the recent decision made by the men’s circuit regarding the prize money.

The winner’s cut of $1.5 million from the total of $8.4 million was not given to the young athlete but was awarded to Christiaan Bezuidenhout owing to the champ being an amateur. Following his victory, Dunlap was awarded a chance to become a member of the PGA Tour, along with being allowed to play at the upcoming Masters and the PGA Championship. Well, if one looks at the benefits, he sure has received all he can even if he is to continue playing as an amateur. So it seems he is looking to better celebrate the win for now and then come back refreshed.

Even the golfer would not have imagined the amount of support he would receive from the community following his decision. Well, many did take to the Instagram post to express their backing of the athlete, eliciting a huge number of likes for the same.

Dunlap’s withdrawal rakes in a frenzy of reactions

The Farmers Insurance Open shocker was met with a lot of responses, ranging from those supporting his decision to others expressing their admiration of the golfer’s skills. Let’s take a quick look at some of them.

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Even if the American does turn out victorious in the upcoming PGA Tour event, he would not be awarded a cut of the prize money. Well, a fan did point out the need to get paid while winning, as they commented, “That’s called if you are good at something never do it for free.”

Another enthusiast approved of his decision to withdraw since he has nothing more to gain if he continues to play as an amateur. They reacted along the same lines: “Can’t get paid and already locked up his exemptions. Why play?”

Some urged the golfer to turn professional since doing so would help him win points and money and enable him to play at signature events. The follower commented, “He needs to turn pro.”

There were fans who admired the way he carried himself out on the greens. His skills and sense of gameplay were complimented as well, and they took to the post to mention, “I love him already got someone who knows the game in his corner.”

Being a young athlete and a champ sure has its perks. A whole lot of opportunities await him in the future. A fan pointed out the same as he commented, “2yr exemption to play PGA TOUR, he’s gonna be just fine. He’s only 20yrs old, got plenty of time to live out of a suitcase. Smart kid.”

There was a huge outcry for the amateur to join the Saudi-backed league following his win yesterday. Well, here’s one more LIV Golf comment for the count: “Liv incoming.”

What did you think of Dunlap’s decision to withdraw from the event? Let us know in the comments below.

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