Nick Dunlap had a rough day at Augusta National on Thursday, April 10, 2025, as he kicked off his second appearance at the Masters Tournament with a dismal first round. The 21-year-old golfer, who made headlines last year by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour in 33 years, struggled significantly, ending the day with a staggering score of 18-over-par 90.
Dunlap's day started on a negative note when he bogeyed the opening hole. He quickly fell further behind, accumulating a total of seven bogeys, four double bogeys, and one triple bogey throughout his round. His performance placed him at the bottom of the leaderboard, a full ten strokes behind Thriston Lawrence, who was in second-to-last with an 8-over score.
Despite the challenges, Dunlap's score was not the highest in Masters history. That dubious honor belongs to Charlie Kunkle, who recorded a score of 95 in 1956. Interestingly, Dunlap is only the 11th golfer to fail to break 90 in the first round of the Masters, a feat last accomplished by Ben Crenshaw in 2015.
As Dunlap navigated the back nine, he recorded a 47, which is only two strokes off the tournament's second-nine record of 49. His round included a notable 14-foot putt on the 16th hole that helped him avoid a triple bogey, showcasing a glimmer of skill amidst an otherwise challenging day.
For Dunlap, this round marks his third score in the 80s in his last seven outings. Coming into the Masters, he had yet to make a cut in five previous major tournaments. With a current score of 90, it seems unlikely that he will break that streak this time around.
Reflecting on his career, Dunlap was the 2024 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and has quickly established himself as one of the top young talents in professional golf. His journey began at the University of Alabama, where he honed his skills before turning professional. In his debut year as a pro, he banked £2.3 million, but the financial success was bittersweet, as he was ineligible to cash the £1.1 million prize he earned as an amateur at the American Express.
“It stings a little bit,” Dunlap admitted in a recent interview, reflecting on his missed opportunity. “At the time, I don’t think I really knew what $1.5 million was. It wasn’t as hard as it is now. But ultimately, I got what I wanted in the end: a trophy.”
As Dunlap looks ahead to the second round, he faces a daunting task. To avoid further embarrassment and possibly set a record for the biggest improvement from round one to round two, he would need to shoot a remarkable 68 or lower. This record is currently held by Craig Wood, who improved by 21 strokes in 1936.
While the day may have been disheartening for Dunlap, it serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of Augusta National. As he prepares for his next round, Dunlap will need to find a way to shake off the disappointment and regain his confidence. After all, the Masters is a tournament where even the best can falter, and every golfer knows that tomorrow is a new day on the course.
Despite the challenges faced on Thursday, Dunlap is determined to turn his performance around. With his talent and experience, he has the potential to bounce back from this setback. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he responds in the coming days.
In conclusion, Nick Dunlap's opening round at the 2025 Masters will likely be a day he wishes to forget. However, the resilience of a champion lies in their ability to learn from tough experiences and come back stronger. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Dunlap to see if he can reclaim his status as one of golf's rising stars.
