If Nick Dunlap can win as an amateur on the PGA Tour, so too can South African Kieron van Wyk.
A 23-year-old senior at the College of Charleston, van Wyk is trying to follow in the footsteps of Dunlap, who became the first amateur to win on Tour last year at The American Express since Phil Mickelson in 1991.
Thanks to an eagle at the par-5 14th at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico on Saturday and a bogey-free day, van Wyk posted 7-under 65 and trails leader Karl Vilips by one stroke heading into the final round of the Puerto Rico Open.
“Just keep on doing what I’ve been doing the last three days and hopefully it pays off by the end of tomorrow,” van Wyk said.
Ranked No. 1 in the APGA Collegiate Ranking, van Wyk is making his PGA Tour debut thanks to an exemption earned for winning the 2024 White Sands Bahamas Men’s NCAA Golf Invitational. Next week, he and his teammates have a college event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but that could all change if van Wyk finds the winner’s circle. But for now, he’s trying not to get ahead of himself.
“Definitely soaking in every moment, and the crowds and having the people cheer me on, we don’t get that every week playing in college. As far as golf goes, I think it’s just like every other tournament I play,” he said, “just take it as it is and hit the golf ball.”
In late January, van Wyk made some history of his own by becoming the first amateur to win on the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour, capturing the title at the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational at Torrey Pines. Previously he was the 2022 Individual Colonial Athletic Association championship – the first Black golfer in CAA history to win medalist honors at the league tournament. Winning as an amateur on the PGA Tour – even at an opposite event such as the Puerto Rico Open – would put him in elite company.
Van Wyk has a former assistant coach on his bag, who he credited with helping him stay in the moment. It hasn’t hurt that his putter has become more friend than foe.
“It’s generally not a strength of my game but it has become one over the last couple of months and I’m happy that the hard work has paid off,” van Wyk said.
The time difference back home may make it tricky for South Africans to follow his exploits but van Wyk said he’s been feeling their love.
“I’m happy to be representing South Africa and Golf RSA, the national squad. So I truly appreciate all the texts and the good luck messages and all the support,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Can a college kid from South Africa win as an amateur on the PGA Tour?
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