PINEHURST, N.C. — In a tournament within a tournament, Neil Shipley held off Luke Clanton by two strokes to win the low amateur award.
It was the second magical week for Shipley, who will play collegiate golf at Ohio State University, after winning the Masters in April as the lowest-ranked amateur.
“It’s amazing,” Shipley said. “I never would have thought it possible three or four years ago. Everything I’ve done as an amateur has been a dream come true. Now I feel like I’ve checked all the boxes.”
Shipley and Clanton, who plays at Florida State University, were paired together in the final round on Sunday, but Clanton missed out on a 5-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to tie Shipley for the all-time amateur record at 6-over par.
Clanton then missed the par putt and finished at 8-over par.
“I played well. [but] “It’s very frustrating,” Clanton said. “Congratulations to Neil Shipley on another great week and finishing last in the amateurs at the Masters and here. It’s a great sight.”
Shipley is one of just six players in history to finish last at the Masters and the U.S. Open. He is set to turn professional next week.
“I’m turning professional next week, so that will cement my amateur career. I’m very happy with the career I’ve had as an amateur and the legacy I hope to leave behind,” he said.
When asked what he’s most looking forward to about turning pro, Shipley replied, “Probably cashing a check. I don’t know what I’m going to miss this week, but obviously I wouldn’t trade the experience I got this week for anything, but it’s going to hurt a little bit.”
In another subplot this week, Corey Connors needed to finish 11th or better on his own to make Canada’s Olympic golf team.
Nick Taylor had already qualified for the team, and Connors finished ninth, overtaking Adam Hadwin for second place on the team.
Xander Schauffele, who won the PGA Championship and is ranked No. 2 in the world, finished in the top 10 at 1 under par, giving him top 10 finishes in all three majors this season.
Martin Kaymer, the last player to win the U.S. Open at Pinehurst in 2014, finished the week tied for 64th at 13-over par, a far cry from his 9-under-par final score in 2014, which gave him a commanding eight-stroke victory.
Defending champion Wyndham Clark finished tied for 56th at 11-over par. … Korn Ferry Tour player Jackson Suber, who filled in for Jon Rahm when he withdrew with a foot injury, finished at 18-over par.
Among Met-area players who made the cut, Korn Ferry Tour player Max Glaserman of Short Hills, N.J., closed the week with a 2-under 68 on Sunday to move into a tie for 23rd place. Sleepy Hollow pride Cameron Young finished at 14-over and Scarsdale native Brandon Wu finished at 16-over.
