U.S. Open 2024: Neal Shipley completes dream finish to amateur career by claiming this rare double
Jeff Haynes
PINEHURST, N.C. — Capturing low-amateur at both the Masters and the U.S. Open is the stuff of dreams, at least that’s what Neal Shipley thinks.
“It’s been wild. It’s been something that maybe three, four years ago I didn’t think was possible, and to accomplish all this has been just phenomenal,” Shipley said in a press conference after Sunday’s final round at Pinehust No. 2
After holding off fellow amateur, Luke Clanton, with a closing two-over 72, two shots lower than Clanton, Shipley finished his U.S. Open debut six over par and tied for 28th. An impressive performance 22-year-old Pittsburgh, Pa., native who just finsihed his college career at Ohio State.
Shipley is only the ninth golfer to capture both low-amateur titles in the same year. Other golfers to achieve this tremendous feat are Viktor Hovland in 2019, Matt Kuchar in 1998, Phil Mickelson in 1991, Sam Randolph in 1986, Jack Nicklaus in 1960, Ken Venturi in 1956, Harvie Ward in 1955 and Billy Joe Patton in 1954. Safe to say he’s in good company.
In addition to his incredible performance at two major championships this year, Shipley has also had a record year playing at Ohio State. During his 2023-24 season alone, Shipley claimed his first collegiate victory at the Southwestern Invitational in January, finished fifth at the Big Ten Championship, won Ping All-American Honorable Mention honors for the second year in a row and helped lead the Buckeyes into the match play portion of the NCAA Championship.
“I think I’ve checked all the boxes now,” Shipley said.
So what’s next for Shipley, you might wonder?
As of right now, the star amateur is planning on going to the PGA Tour Americas.
