Nick Dunlap was the first amateur to win a PGA event since 1991
But he’s not allowed to collect the $1.5 million prize
The 20-year-old golfer had a historic victory this past weekend making him the first amateur to win an event since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
But due to PGA rules, amateurs aren’t eligible to receive any prize money.
In a world now filled with NIL deals, they have to come up with a new solution for this problem.
A potential solution: an escrow program
When amateur golfers win monetary prizes, the money could be placed in an escrow account instead of being paid directly to them. This account would hold the funds until the golfer turns pro.
Obviously, there are many other legal and tax complications that come with this.
But depriving young golfers of life-changing money isn’t a way to attract them to the sport. Some may say, “Well, he’ll make that money when he goes on the tour.”
However, winning in golf is one of the hardest things to do, and missing out on the money may force amateurs to turn pro before they are ready.
With the advancement in technology, advanced stats, and more, the game of golf has experienced a significant youth movement.
Dunlap won’t be the last to do this, so a solution must be found sooner rather than later.
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