Dunlap, who has shown promise in his early career, struggled to find his footing on the iconic Augusta National Golf Club course. From the opening tee shot, it was clear that something was amiss. The 23-year-old's game was marred by wayward drives, mishit irons, and a putting stroke that seemed to desert him at the worst possible moments.
As the round progressed, Dunlap's score continued to balloon, with a string of bogeys and double bogeys that left him reeling. The usually composed golfer looked frustrated and demoralized, struggling to come to terms with the unfolding disaster. By the time he signed his card, Dunlap had carded a staggering 90, a score that is unlikely to feature on any highlight reel.
So, what went wrong for the young golfer? It's difficult to pinpoint a single factor, but it's clear that Dunlap struggled with his swing and his short game. The statistics make for grim reading: 11 bogeys, 2 double bogeys, and a staggering 42 putts. It was a day to forget for Dunlap, and one that will likely haunt him for a long time to come.
As the golfing world looks on, Dunlap will be hoping to draw inspiration from other players who have overcome similar meltdowns. From Tiger Woods' famous comeback at the 2019 Masters to Jordan Spieth's dramatic recovery at the 2016 tournament, there are plenty of examples of golfers overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.
The Masters is a tournament that's full of surprises, and while Dunlap's first round was a shock, it's not over yet. With three rounds to go, the young golfer still has a chance to make his mark on the tournament and prove that he's a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell if Dunlap can recover from this disastrous start, but one thing's for sure – it's going to be an interesting ride.
