It was a dream-come-true moment for Central Catholic grad Neal Shipley on Sunday at The Masters.
He 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.
Moments after Scottie Scheffler earned his second Masters title, Shipley found himself in Butler’s Cabin being interview by Jim Nance 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 on was phenomenal.”
For being the low amateur, Shipley, 22, was awarded the coveted Silver Cup.
The 2019 Central Catholic grad and Mt. Lebanon 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 Round 1 and a 4-over 76 in Round 2 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.”
