TRUCKEE, Calif. — Nick Dunlap turned the primary participant in PGA Tour historical past to win as an beginner and an expert in the identical 12 months, rallying Sunday for a two-point victory within the Barracuda Championship.
In January at The American Categorical in La Quinta, the 20-year-old Dunlap — then a sophomore on the College of Alabama — turned the eighth beginner to win a tour occasion and the primary in 33 years. He turned skilled days later.
“I by no means thought that I might have my title subsequent to that, however it’s positively an honor,” Dunlap mentioned in regards to the amateur-pro double. “It has been somewhat robust after AmEx. You form of lose somewhat little bit of confidence and surprise if you are able to do it once more.”
On Sunday at Tahoe Mountain Membership in the one PGA Tour occasion that makes use of the modified Stableford scoring system, Dunlap took the lead with a 55-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fifteenth.
Gamers obtain eight factors for a double eagle, 5 for an eagle and two for a birdie. A degree is deducted for bogey and three for double bogey.
“I hadn’t made an eagle but this week, in order that was form of the purpose, and simply play aggressive, not reckless,” Dunlap mentioned. “This course, it permits you to make a number of birdies for those who’re in place.”
Dunlap added a birdie on the par-4 seventeenth, slicing the dogleg with a 304-yard drive and chipping to three ft.
9 factors behind chief Mac Meissner getting into the day, Dunlap had 19 factors within the bogey-free spherical to complete with 49. He birdied six of the primary 12 holes on the tree-lined Outdated Greenwood course.
“The one bitter factor about that is that profitable second goes shortly,” Dunlap mentioned. “It would not keep so long as chances are you’ll assume, simply because tomorrow I am flying to Minnesota and making an attempt to repeat and do the very same factor.”
Vince Whaley completed second, making a 17-foot birdie putt on par-4 18th for a nine-point day.
“I did not hit it superb the entire day and I form of stored myself in it with the quick recreation,” Whaley mentioned. “Then missed a pair I felt like I might have made coming in.”
Patrick Fishburn had 46 factors, holing a 10-footer for birdie on 18 to cap a 12-point spherical.
“It was a terrific week,” Fishburn mentioned. “That is in all probability certainly one of my favourite stops of the 12 months.”
Meissner was fourth at 44. He closed a five-point spherical with a bogey.
“I am positively fairly bummed,” Meissner mentioned. “It was a irritating day. I had a pair attractiveness early for birdie by means of the primary 10 holes and did not capitalize. It was simply robust.”
Taylor Pendrith and Patrick Rodgers tied for fifth at 43.
With two occasions left within the common season, Dunlap jumped from ninety fifth to 63rd within the FedEx Cup standings. The highest 70 will advance to the playoffs.
“It has been a purpose,” Dunlap mentioned. “It is, actually, one of many causes I performed right here.”
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