Nick Dunlap vs Hayden Buckley Prediction: Dunlap will show class again

Pebble Beach, CA is the setting for the 3rd round ball contest between Nick Dunlap and Hayden Buckley in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. In this matchup, Dunlap is considered the favorite, while Hayden Buckley is regarded as the underdog.

Nick Dunlap is an accomplished American professional golfer who achieved notable success in his amateur career before turning professional. In 2021, he clinched the U.S. Junior Amateur title, and in 2023, he secured the U.S. Amateur championship. His significant breakthrough came in 2024 when he won The American Express, making him the first amateur in 33 years to triumph in a PGA Tour tournament. This victory marked the end of his amateur career, where he concluded as the top-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

In January 2024, Dunlap received a sponsor exemption to participate in The American Express on the PGA Tour. During the third round, he shot an impressive 12-under 60, equaling Patrick Cantlay's record for the lowest round by an amateur on the PGA Tour. This stellar performance granted Dunlap a three-shot lead heading into the final round. He maintained his composure, shooting 2-under in the final round to secure the tournament victory by one stroke.

Dunlap's triumph at The American Express made him the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in 1991. At the age of 20 years and 29 days, he also became the second-youngest winner on the PGA Tour in the past 90 years, with Jordan Spieth holding the record at 19 years and 352 days. Additionally, Dunlap stands out as the first amateur player to achieve victories in the U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Amateur, and a PGA Tour event.

Hayden Buckley is a skilled American professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour. His achievements include winning the 2019 ATB Financial Classic on the PGA Tour Canada and the 2021 LECOM Suncoast Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. Before turning professional, Buckley attended the University of Missouri, where he secured four college wins. In his senior year, he earned recognition as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection, a third-team All-American, and was named the Missouri Male Athlete of the Year for the 2017–18 season.

Buckley transitioned to the professional circuit in 2018. In the 2019 season, he participated in all 12 PGA Tour Canada events, making 11 cuts and achieving six top-10 finishes. His notable victory at the ATB Financial Classic and a sixth-place finish on the Order of Merit earned him membership on the Korn Ferry Tour. In February 2021, Buckley secured his first Korn Ferry Tour title in his 17th career start, claiming victory at the LECOM Suncoast Classic.

In January 2023, he demonstrated his competitive edge by finishing as the runner-up at the Sony Open in Hawaii, just one shot behind Kim Si-woo. Hayden Buckley continues to make strides in his professional golf career, showcasing skill and determination on the PGA Tour.

Given the distinct profiles of the two golfers, it appears that Nick Dunlap holds the upper hand in this contest. While Hayden Buckley is expected to put up a strong effort, it may not be sufficient to overcome Dunlap's potential. In a match where the par is anticipated to be high, all signs point towards Nick Dunlap emerging victorious in this contest.