Nick Dunlap went from a college golfer having fun with his teammates at the University of Alabama to a surprise winner as an amateur at The American Express in January to turning pro in February and winning another PGA event in July.

Nick Dunlap will return to defend his title at The American Express, Jan. 16-19 in La Quinta, California. Dunlap captured last year’s edition as an amateur, becoming the first to accomplish that on Tour since Phil Mickelson in 1991. Dunlap soon turned pro and won again in July at the Barracuda Championship.

Dunlap will lead a tournament field that includes nine of the top 25 players in the world, including No. 2 Xander Schauffele. Schauffele had a breakthrough year in 2024, winning two major titles at the PGA Championship and the British Open. Schauffele has finished third in The American Express each of the last two years.