Why is Nick Dunlap turning pro? Alabama golfer joining PGA Tour after American Express win

It's official: Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap announced Thursday he's turning pro and will join the PGA Tour starting at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from Feb. 1-4.

Dunlap on Sunday became the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since future three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson in 1991. Due to his amateur status, Dunlap was unable to claim the $1.5 million purse for winning the 2024 American Express tournament, as USGA regulations forbid amateurs from accepting winnings in access of $1,000.

Dunlap met with reporters in Tuscaloosa on Thursday to announce the move. He was set to start his sophomore year for the Crimson Tide and is the youngest amateur to win on the Tour since 1910.

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The Huntsville native jumped from 4,129th to 68th in the latest Official World Gold Rankings, which stands as the biggest jump in history.

Here's why Dunlap elected to forgo his college eligibility and turn pro:

More: Alabama's Nick Dunlap makes largest jump in world golf rankings history after PGA Tour win

Why did Nick Dunlap turn pro?

Dunlap, a 20-year-old sophomore, announced his decision to turn pro and forgo his remaining college eligibility on Thursday.

The decisions stems from the PGA Tour extending an invite to Dunlap after he became the first amateur to win on the tour since 1991, as he took the 2024 American Express Tournament on Sunday.

"It was the easiest, hardest decision I've ever had to make, by far," Dunlap told reporters in Tuscaloosa on Thursday.

While the reward for winning the American Express tournament was $1.5 million, Dunlap was unable to claim the prize due to his amateur status. Now as a full-fledge pro, Dunlap can earn money for his efforts moving forward.

"I was very fortunate that everybody had the same opinion about it, and my teammates were awesome about it and very supportive," Dunlap said Thursday. "It goes back to the family that Alabama has. They were very supportive and wanted me to chase my dream."

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why is Nick Dunlap turning pro? Alabama golfer joining PGA Tour