Hey Golf Fans,

If you had told me back in January that this spring, I’d be on the cover of Golf Digest, I would have had a hard time believing it. As an avid reader of Golf Digest, I know that being US Amateur champion and making your Masters debut typically isn’t enough.

Now, if you were to tell me it was because I because I won the American Express, becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years since Phil Mickelson did so, that I would have NEVER believed. On January 14th, I remember flying to Palm Springs to play that tournament on a sponsor’s exemption. Seven days later I was holding the trophy on the 18th green. I went from getting ready to play the spring season for the University of Alabama to then a week later playing Pebble Beach as a pro. It has truly been a whirlwind. Thankfully, the mental work I put in with Dr. Bhrett McCabe has helped me adjust to life on tour. Of course, I’m still learning.

Dr. McCabe has known me since I was a brat (I’ll call myself that, but he won’t) on the driving range of Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. McCabe has always given me advice that I could apply to my life on and off the course, and it has shaped me immensely over the years. I know your games will improve by following the advice he lays out in our cover article. The meat of it concerns five principles I use to foster a healthy competitive mindset.

So many people have contributed to my success, too many to mention, but I would like to thank my parents, the University of Alabama and Coach Jay Seawell, the members at Greystone, and Dr. McCabe. Hopefully you will enjoy this article and it will help shave a few strokes off your scorecard the next time you play.

See you at Augusta!
Nick Dunlap