Augusta, Ga. — Nick Dunlap is an exceptional golfer. Before his 21st birthday, he had already secured two wins on the PGA Tour, a feat achieved by only eight players in the history of the sport, with Tiger Woods and Tom Kim being the only others in the modern era. Despite being ranked 42nd in the world at just 21, Dunlap had a rough start at this week’s Masters, shooting an 18-over par 90 in the first round, which was one of the worst rounds in the tournament’s history.
Feeling beaten down and disappointed, Dunlap could have withdrawn from the competition, but he decided to persevere. He spent the evening practicing at his Airbnb, hitting balls into the woods and preparing for the next day’s round.
On Friday, Dunlap arrived at Augusta National determined to show his capabilities. Despite facing challenges with a swing change, he continued to work on his game. His golf career had been on a meteoric rise, with achievements like shooting a 59 at age 12, winning the U.S. Junior Amateur at 17, and becoming the U.S. Amateur champion at 19.
After struggling in the first round, Dunlap showcased his resilience in the second round. He started strong, carding several birdies and climbing up the leaderboard. Despite a few setbacks towards the end of the round, he finished with a score of 71, 19 strokes better than the previous day.
Reflecting on his performance, Dunlap acknowledged the challenges of professional golf but remained positive about the experience. He emphasized the rewarding and humbling nature of the sport, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play at prestigious venues like Augusta National.
Despite the frustrations and struggles, Dunlap’s determination and passion for the game shone through as he faced adversity head-on and continued to strive for excellence.