Nick Dunlap's Alabama family joins him on PGA TOUR
Nick Dunlap formally turned pro and accepted PGA TOUR membership Thursday, and there were happy tears and wistful tears and tired tears. His parents were there, plus his coach, teammates, girlfriend, agent, trainer, and sports psychologist, plus a row of TV cameras. Even in a room normally used for the twice-weekly press conferences of outgoing Alabama football coach Nick Saban, it was a packed house.
A Beautiful Goodbye
Nick Dunlap's journey to turning pro was already a beautiful story. His win at The American Express made him the first amateur to win on the PGA TOUR in 33 years, and he was ranked third among amateurs in the world. But it was what happened in an emotional team meeting that made his decision even more special. Dunlap said goodbye to his teammates in a meeting that left an impact on everyone.
The meeting took place two days before the formal announcement of Dunlap turning pro. Despite his personal achievements, Dunlap's focus was on his teammates and their dreams. He chose to return to Alabama and share the news with them instead of announcing it at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Dunlap's teammates and coach were incredibly supportive of his decision. They made it clear that they were inspired by him and that they considered themselves a part of his journey. Dunlap's desire to do the right thing and his commitment to his team highlighted his character.
Continuing the Journey
Now that Nick Dunlap has turned pro, he has a new set of opportunities in front of him. He will be competing in upcoming events such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational, and his ultimate goal is to play at The Players Championship and the Masters Tournament.
Dunlap will have the freedom to choose his schedule on the PGA TOUR, a privilege that he finds unbelievable. While he may not be sure where he will live or how his professional career will unfold, he plans to continue working with his coach and maintaining his connection to Alabama. The support and family atmosphere he has experienced with his college team will always remain important to him.
Doing the Right Thing
Nick Dunlap's character and integrity have been evident throughout his journey. From a young age, he learned the importance of doing the right thing, even in small actions like returning money won in a bet. As he faced the biggest decision of his life, he prioritized being with his Alabama family and teammates over the spotlight.
Dunlap's work ethic and commitment to the game of golf have also been recognized by his teammates and coach. They describe him as someone who goes above and beyond, practicing in extremely cold weather and always being there to support his teammates. His mental and physical skills have contributed to his success, making him a well-rounded player.
As he embarks on his professional career, Dunlap plans to continue living with his college roommate and practicing with his college team. He sees them as his family and remains grateful for their support.
