Nick Dunlap endured a rollercoaster experience at the Masters, filled with frustration, anxiety, and a glimmer of redemption.
On Thursday, he hit rock bottom after shooting a disastrous 90 in the opening round—one of the worst rounds ever at Augusta National. The disappointment was so intense that he vented by blasting dozens of golf balls into the woods behind his rental home, using every type and brand he could get his hands on. It was more about releasing emotion than practicing.
Friday brought no relief from the mental pressure. Dunlap confessed to battling a severe knot in his stomach and intense anxiety—worse than anything he’d ever felt before a round. Despite considering quitting after his opening round, he returned to the course determined not to give up, saying, “I’m never going to quit. I’m always going to show up.”
And show up he did. Despite continued struggles with his swing and inconsistent accuracy off the tee, he pieced together a much-improved second-round performance, finishing with a one-under 71. It was a remarkable turnaround—a full 19-stroke improvement—and showed a hint of the skill that earned him Rookie of the Year honors the previous season.
He still missed more fairways than the day before, managing to hit just five, but was more accurate on approach shots, hitting nine greens in regulation. His putting held up under pressure, helping him grind out several par saves. He even enjoyed a birdie stretch that nearly made history for the biggest turnaround from one round to the next in Masters history, before closing with three bogeys in a row.
At just 21 years old, Dunlap is navigating the challenges of early professional life, including a recent slump that’s seen him miss multiple cuts and post a few rounds in the 80s. He acknowledged he’s been lost on the course, struggling with unclear thoughts and a game that doesn’t feel familiar anymore.
Other players can relate. Justin Rose, once a young pro himself who missed 21 cuts in a row to start his career, pointed out that early adversity is part of the journey. Rory McIlroy reflected on a time when he followed a 63 with a 79 at the Memorial Tournament, noting how unpredictable and punishing the game can be.
Dunlap is now walking that same rocky road. Even the iconic Augusta National can feel unforgiving when confidence is gone. Still, despite the pain and mental exhaustion, he’s committed to pushing forward. He knows there’s only one way out: keep working, keep grinding.
“I tried my hardest to enjoy today,” he said, clearly still carrying the weight of frustration. “It’s hard not to focus on how far off my game feels. I love this game. It just doesn’t love me back right now.”
But he isn’t quitting. The journey continues, one shot—and maybe one bucket of golf balls—at a time.