AUGUSTA, Ga. – Rising star Nick Dunlap entered the Masters expecting a solid debut round, but he quickly battled to stay afloat.
On Thursday, the 21-year-old carded a 90 in the opening round of the 2025 Masters Tournament, marking the highest first-round score at Augusta National since 2015, when Ben Crenshaw shot 91 in his farewell appearance. But unlike Crenshaw, Dunlap is far from a retiring legend—he’s a young pro with a bright future and some big wins already under his belt.
After hitting just six fairways and six greens in regulation, Nick Dunlap’s Masters debut was defined by misfires, water balls, and a string of mistakes that had him visibly shaken by the end of the round. Dunlap made seven bogeys, four double bogeys, and one triple, finishing at 16-over-par.
His worst moment came on the par-4 18th, where he hooked his drive into the trees and needed five shots to even reach the green. Though he made the three-foot putt for double, the 43-47—90 performance was a shock for fans who expected more from the 2023 U.S. Amateur winner.
Once hailed as the next big thing—having shot a 60 and won on the PGA Tour as an amateur—Nicholas Dunlap has struggled recently. Leading into the Masters, he missed three straight cuts, including an 80 at the Players. Though his attitude remained calm, the mental toll of Augusta’s demanding layout was evident.
Bob MacIntyre, one of Dunlap’s playing partners, praised his demeanor: “His attitude was solid. He didn’t get in our way. I feel for him, but he’ll come back.”
Dunlap tees off again on Friday at 12:50 p.m., hoping for redemption. One bad day at Augusta doesn’t define a career—but it sure stings.
Source: Golf