Nick Dunlap
PGA Tour Professional and 2023 U.S. Amateur Champion · Golf - PGA Tour
PGA Tour / University of Alabama
Era
Modern Era - 2024 to early 2025
Item Type
Oversized novelty golf ball
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The signature is bold with no visible smudging or fading; the ball surface shows minimal wear from the event.
Rarity
Common for the era. Dunlap is a frequent and gracious signer at tournaments, though his early-career items on unique media carry moderate interest.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, high-quality example of a rising PGA star's signature. Desirability is high for modern golf collectors due to the bold ink and clear association with a prestigious tour event.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature displays the characteristic quick, vertical flow and shorthand 'ND' loop structure consistent with Dunlap's contemporary tournament-signed items.
Signature Style
Abbreviated shorthand style. It features a sharp, vertical 'N' followed by a loopy, connected 'D' that often resembles a 'B' or 'R' due to speed. This is his standard 'in-the-field' tournament signature.
Signature Characteristics
Fast execution, heavy pressure consistent with signing on a hard, curved surface. The baseline is slightly ascending. There is a distinctive point at the top of the first letter and a sweeping curve at the end.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on a dimpled synthetic surface.
Item Description
Large white jumbo novelty golf ball featuring 'Tournament' text in green. These are common items for fans to carry at PGA events for multiple signatures.
Estimated Value
$40.00 - $75.00 USD (higher if authenticated by JSA/PSA)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches verified 2024-2025 exemplars from the American Express and Memorial tournaments perfectly, specifically the simplified loop used when signing for crowds.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp upward stroke of the 'N' and the way the 'D' loops back into a tight flourish. Forgeries of young players are rare, but 'shaky' ink lines on a dimpled surface are natural; look for fluid speed.
Certification Recommendation
James Spence Authentication (JSA) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) - typically best for golf autographs with a $20-30 basic cert fee.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink saturation and typical letter connections are consistent with a genuine hand-signed item.
Provenance Notes
The user-provided context of the 2025 Memorial Tournament provides excellent 'in-person' provenance that should be documented with a photo of the badges or grounds if possible.
Historical Context
Signed during Nick Dunlap's early years as a professional after his historic 2024 victory while still an amateur.
Market Trends
Stable to rising. As a young winner on the PGA Tour, Dunlap's market is tied to his major tournament performance. His status as the first amateur to win a PGA event since 1991 (2024 American Express) keeps demand steady.
Investment Potential
Moderate. Depends entirely on his career trajectory and potential Major wins. A solid 'hold' for fans of the new generation of golf.
Similar Autographs
Scottie Scheffler, Ludvig Åberg, Viktor Hovland
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic cube. Avoid touching the ink directly as oils from skin can degrade the marker over time on non-porous surfaces.
Interesting Facts
Nick Dunlap is the first golfer ever to win both the U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur since Tiger Woods. He often signs with a more legible full signature for formal documents but uses this shorthand for fans.
Notes
Signed at 2025 memorial, golf. Male