Neal Shipley's Strong Second Round Caps Career Turnaround Bid

Neal Shipley opened his second round at the Biltmore Championship in Asheville with consecutive birdies followed by an eagle on the par-5 third, reaching 10 under for the tournament and briefly the early second-round lead at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.

How did Shipley reach the PGA Tour?

Shipley's route was unconventional. He transferred from James Madison to Ohio State, then built his profile with low-amateur finishes at the 2024 Masters and 2024 U.S. Open, along with an appearance on Netflix's "Full Swing." Those results led to sponsor exemptions and, after roughly two dozen Korn Ferry Tour starts, a PGA Tour card by finishing among the top 20 on that circuit in August 2025. Because he made eight starts as a pro in 2024, Shipley is classified as a first-year member rather than a rookie.

What has Shipley changed this season?

His first full PGA Tour season has been inconsistent, with eight cuts made in 20 starts entering the Biltmore Championship. After earning his 2026 card, Shipley relocated to the Palm Beach area, hired a personal trainer, adopted a gluten-free diet and narrowed his focus to technical details of his game. He has since trimmed down physically, with training centered on core strength and stability meant to hold up over a full Tour schedule.

A fast start built on an eagle and two early birdies is the clearest sign yet that Shipley's offseason changes are translating to the course.

The Biltmore Championship marks the start of the FedEx Cup Fall season, giving Shipley, 24, a chance to build momentum into the new PGA Tour season after a year that has tested the consistency he showed as an amateur.