CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE COLO. — If your name is ever mentioned in conjunction with Tiger Woods, then you are doing something right.
Nick Dunlap could achieve what only Woods did in 2023 at the U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club. Both the U.S. Win both the U.S. Amateur.
Woods is only the second male amateur to have won the U.S. Woods is the only male amateur to win both the U.S. Amateur. From 1991 to 1993, he won three U.S. Juniors and three U.S. Amateurs from 1994-96.
Dunlap won the U.S. Dunlap won the U.S.
U.S. Cherry Hills: Amateur photos
Dunlap remarked, “It would be pretty cool company.” It would be a pretty cool company. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. It’s 36 holes, tomorrow it’s going to be a marathon. It’s a ton of golf.”
Tiger Woods kisses America Tiger Woods kisses the U.S. Woods wins the Amateur Championship on Sunday, August 25, 1996 at North Plains Golf Club, Oregon.
Eight women, including Rose Zhang, have achieved the USGA Double. She is also the only woman to have won the U.S. Women’s Amateur (2021) before the U.S. Junior Girls’ Championship (2020).
Dunlap’s victory in the championship shouldn’t be a surprise. He was the best male amateur of this summer. He has won two times, the Northeast Amateur as well as North & South Amateur. Since July 2021, he is 29-2 since he began playing match play.
Dunlap’s dominance is also due to his partnership with Jeff Curl (his 44-year old caddie, a former professional). Curl was his caddie for the U.S. Juniors also won.
Alabama coach Jay Seawell is not surprised at Dunlap’s success. He has also seen a number of golfers with strong abilities come out of the Crimson Tide, including Justin Thomas, a two-time major champion and Lee Hodges, whose recent Tour win was a big success.
Seawell stated, “He is as talented as anyone who has ever walked into the Alabama doors since I have been there.” “He is as talented as any of our previous players.”
Dunlap’s Alabama teammates are expected to be at Cherry Hills for the championship match on Sunday. Seawell will also be at Cherry Hills on Sunday, as he followed his 19-year old star for most of the semifinal match.
Seawell attributes Dunlap’s match play prowess, to his killer instinct. Dunlap, according to Seawell, has the perfect match-play mindset. He always knows what to do and how a particular shot or putt will affect his chances of winning.
Seawell stated, “He has assassin mentality.”
Nick Dunlap talks to NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, after Dunlap wins his match by 3 and 2, during the semifinals for the 2023 U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills C.C. Cherry Hills Village in Colorado on Saturday, August 19, 2023. (Kathryn Riley/USGA)
Dunlap also has been able to control his emotions throughout the week. He never gets too high or low. Dunlap, who was surrounded by a few thousands spectators at Cherry Hills, didn’t even notice Peyton Manning standing just feet away from him on the last hole of his match.
Dunlap will have a shot at making history on Sunday. He’s committed to the long haul.
Dunlap said, “I’m prepared for anything that comes my way. I know there will be ups anddowns, changes in the momentum, I don’t even know what I’m going to face.”
