JMU grad has dream week
Shipley was low amateur and got to play with Tiger in Sunday’s final round
It was a dream-come-true moment for former James Madison star Neal Shipley on Sunday at The Masters.
The 22-year-old played in his first Masters, finished as the low amateur, met and played with a lot of golf greats and played the final round with Tiger Woods at the famous Augusta National Golf Club.
Moments after Scottie Scheffler earned his second Masters title, Shipley found himself in Butler Cabin being interview by Jim Nantz and watching the ceremony as reigning champion Jon Rahm presented Scheffler his second green jacket.
“It was special playing with Tiger,” Shipley said on CBS. “It was a day I will cherish forever. He was great to me out there, and to have all the patrons out there rooting both of us was phenomenal.
“We were chatty. He’s such a normal guy. He was great to me all day. I couldn’t be more appreciative of him being awesome. It was really cool to be around him and just the attention he gets and the roars. The crowds were phenomenal.”
For being the low amateur, Shipley was awarded the coveted Silver Cup.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native began his collegiate career at James Madison, where he graduated in three years. He transferred to Ohio State and earned a Master’s degree.
He is finishing his final year with the Buckeyes, for whom he won the Southwestern Invitational hosted by Pepperdine in January.
He was one of five amateurs to play in this year’s Masters. He earned a berth by finishing runner-up in the U.S. Amateur.
He shot a 1-under-par 71 during his first round and a 4-over 76 in his second to qualify for the final two rounds. He had an 80 on Saturday and came back to shoot a 1-over 73 on Sunday. He finished tied for 53rd at 12 over.
“This week is going to be one of the best weeks in my life and something I’ll remember forever, especially playing with Tiger,” Shipley said. “Just the whole week in general, the members were phenomenal and thanks for hosting us. Thank you Mr. (Fred) Ridley for having a great tournament.”