Nick Dunlap Shoots 90 at the Masters—One of the Worst Opening Rounds in Tournament History

Nick Dunlap’s first round at the 2025 Masters is one he’ll likely want to erase from memory.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old phenom shot a staggering 18-over-par 90—making it one of the worst opening rounds in the tournament’s storied history. It’s the highest first-round score at Augusta since 2015, when two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, then 63 and playing his final Masters, posted a 91.

To put it in perspective, Dunlap’s round was just five shots better than the worst score ever recorded in a single Masters round: Charlie Kunkle’s infamous 95 in 1956.

Things went south early for Dunlap. His opening tee shot hooked into the gallery, leading to a bogey. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning.

He racked up three more bogeys and a triple bogey on the front nine. The back nine was even more brutal—four double bogeys and three additional bogeys sealed his place in Masters infamy. Understandably, Dunlap declined to speak with reporters after his round.

What makes this performance so surprising is Dunlap’s resume. Just last season, he made headlines by winning two PGA Tour titles, including a history-making victory at The American Express in California—becoming the first amateur to win a Tour event since 1991.

But since turning pro, the Alabama native has yet to find his footing in major tournaments. He’s now missed the cut in his first five majors and, barring a miracle turnaround, Augusta looks like it’ll be number six.

Golf fans know all too well: the game can humble even the best. One week you’re striping irons and sinking putts, the next you’re just trying to keep it on the fairway. Recreational players watching might’ve even found some solidarity in Dunlap’s struggles—a reminder that the game doesn’t discriminate when it decides to punish.

Still, Dunlap’s talent is undeniable. At just 21, he has time—and potential—on his side. But the 2025 Masters? That’s one round he’ll hope to leave behind as he regroups for the road ahead.