2024 has been a roller coaster for Neal Shipley
The 23-year-old finished as the low amateur at both The Masters and the U.S. Open held at Pinehurst No. 2 before turning pro earlier this year.
Shipley says the season has been beyond anything he would’ve expected.
“It’s been crazy. If you were to ask me six months ago, I probably thought there’s zero chance to be playing five PGA Tour events. Hopefully come into the fall, get a couple other exemptions and get a chance to secure a card for next year. That’s just some awesome opportunities that have come with it. I’ve been playing really well and been earning those opportunities and spots. And I think I’ve proved that I belong out there based off of my play so far.”
Shipley played the first three years of his collegiate golf career at James Madison University before transferring to Ohio State. On his yardage book, one side features the James Madison Dukes logo while the other side features a strip similar to the Ohio State football helmet.
In Augusta back in April, an opening round 71 got him off on the right foot and he would make the cut and finish as low amateur with a four round score of 300, or 12-over par.
With the history of the Masters and the iconic course that is Augusta National, Shipley says it was a privilege to be a part of the field.
“It’s awesome, just to play in them as an honor, especially the history at the Masters with Bobby Jones, I think it’s really cool and not talked about enough, what he means to that club and what amateurs mean to that club and the tournament, it’s great that they continue to honor that tradition.
In June, Shipley traveled to Pinehurt for 2024 U.S. Open where he also finished as low amateur in a tie for 26th at six-over par.
Shipley says getting a chance to play in two of golf’s four majors before turning pro was something he will never forget.
“At the US Open, too, it’s really special. It’s one of the hardest golf tournaments on the planet. For them to allow some amateurs to play and get our feet wet on that biggest stage is great. (I) had a ton of enjoyment being at Pinehurst and Augusta this year.”
When asked about comparing the two courses he played at, Shipley says they each presented their own unique set of challenges.
“They played different, they played harder in different ways. If you were to put both in a bubble with no wind, it’s probably neck and neck. But in Augusta, we had 30 mile an hour winds with gusts to 40 or 45, the first two and a half days. That made the golf course absolutely brutal. I think the cut ended up being like eight over.”
“Pinehurst is the same deal. Out there, it’s just less forgiving. If you don’t hit a fairway, you’re in the crap. If you miss a green, you’re chipping and you could miss the green on that chip and that’s something you don’t see in a lot of golf courses. It’s definitely a different style of golf. That’s a Donald Ross masterpiece. I think it’s every golfer’s nightmare at Pinehurst. I don’t understand why those 10 to 15 handicaps enjoy going there, but it’s a cool place.”
Shipley is in the field at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open this week and will begin his Thursday round at 9:20 a.m. playing alongside Americans Brett White and Ethan Davidson.
sports@paherald.sk.ca
