After becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since 1991 at the American Express, Alabama golfer Nick Dunlap is turning pro. Dunlap, a sophomore, announced the move Thursday during a press conference.

“Gosh dang it, didn’t think I was gonna cry,” Dunlap said, choking back tears as he prepared to deliver the news.

Dunlap said he will make his professional debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which starts Feb. 1.

“I truly do have the best team and I’m very grateful to say that,” Dunlap said. “I mean that wholeheartedly. But at this time I do want to announce that I am turning professional. I’m accepting my PGA Tour membership.”

The Huntsville native became the first amateur golfer since Phil Mickelson to win a tour event with his victory on Saturday at La Quinta, Calif., losing out on a $1.5 million paycheck due to his status. He withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in order to consider his future.

When he returned to Alabama he spoke with his family, along with Alabama head coach Jay Seawell.

“I was very fortunate that everybody kind of had the same opinion about it,” Dunlap said. “They’re very supportive and I think that kind of goes back to the family that Alabama has.”

Dunlap won both the U.S. junior amateur and and amateur titles in 2021. He became the first person to win both since Tiger Woods.

He began attending camps at Alabama as a child, and after being ranked as the No. 1 junior golfer in the class of 2022 by Golfweek, opted to spend his college years with the Crimson Tide.

“I’ve known his dreams,” Seawell said. “And I’m honored that he gave us the opportunity to coach him and all. And to see him realize his dreams on that last hole is why we coach.”

Dunlap said he will continue to live in Tuscaloosa. He is exempt on tour through the 2026 season due to his win in the American Express.