Apparently, the best amateur golfers are right here in the Yellowhammer State.
On Sunday, Alabama’s Nick Dunlap won the U.S. Amateur.
The week before, Auburn University golfer Megan Schofill cemented her name as one of the top female amateur golfers with the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
For Schofill, 22, it was her sixth time to take part but her first time to win it. She is also Auburn’s first USGA Women’s Amateur champion.
“It’s definitely a dream come true, but I would by lying if I said I wasn’t in shock,” she said. “I feel like it hasn’t set in yet. I feel like I can’t put into words the emotions I’m feeling and it’s just such an honor to be able to say I won this year.”
She also made sure to show appreciation for her parents who were unable to attend.
“Thanks for all the support. I wouldn’t be here without you,” Schofill while holding back tears.
Ladies and gentlemen, Auburn’s first ever @USGA Women’s Amateur Champion ?#WarEagle #AuburnBeingAuburn pic.twitter.com/KZHoDb85d3
— Auburn Women’s Golf (@AuburnWGolf) August 14, 2023
As a result of her win, Schofill can now compete in the 2024 Chevron Championship, Women’s British Open, Evian Championship and Augusta National Women’s Amateur. All finalists earned spots in the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open.
For Dunlap, it was dream come true to win the men’s championship.
“I’ve worked my entire life for this. It’s the hours and hours that nobody sees to try to get to this point and even have a chance to win this trophy,” said Dunlap of Huntsville. “It’s unbelievable; can’t put it into words.”
History made!
Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap is your 2023 #USAmateur Champion ?#RollTide pic.twitter.com/hgMcqDoXHg
— Alabama Men’s Golf (@AlabamaMGolf) August 20, 2023
Dunlap and former Alabama golfer Jerry Pate are the only two Crimson Tide golfers to win the championship. He also now joins Tiger Woods’ as the only golfers to have won the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur Championships.
Dunlap was humbled to be in the same category as Woods’.
“Well, I think it’s only a third of what Tiger’s actually done,” he said. “But just to be in the same conversation as Tiger is a dream come true and something that I’ve worked my entire life for.”
With the win, Dunlap has now secured his spot in the 2024 Masters. U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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