Neil Shipley is a graduate student at Ohio State University who placed second at the 2023 U.S. Amateur Championship, qualifying him for the Masters.
He was the only amateur to qualify for Augusta National, and even though he didn’t play his best, the young man still won Masters Week.
“Playing with Tiger and all week at the Masters on Sunday, I think we have to win at least one of these to come out on top this week. It’s definitely been a dream week,” Shipley said. .
After a disappointing 8-over 80 on Saturday, Shipley quickly changed his tune when he learned Tiger Woods would be his playing partner for Sunday’s Masters.
“I wasn’t very happy after the round. We went straight to the practice facility to work,” Shipley explained. “My caddy came up to me and said, ‘Hey, guess who I’m going to be paired with tomorrow.'” I was like, “No way, it’s Tiger.” And he said, “Yeah.” He was so excited that his emotions changed at that time. ”
Not many people can play against Woods on Sunday at Augusta National and say they won, but Shipley did.
“I went out with Tiger and we were talking. We talked a lot about golf and Charlie and just normal things,” Shipley said. “He’s such a normal guy and cool. He was great to me all day. I couldn’t be more thankful for how great he was today and being around him and getting attention and yelling.” It was so cool to get in. The crowd was phenomenal.”
Tiger, an amateur, shot a 1-over 73 on Sunday, while Tiger shot a 5-over 77.
Photo by Andrew Reddington/Getty Images
When they got to the practice field Sunday morning, the reality sunk in that he would actually be playing with Tiger.
“I think this was definitely one of the most relaxing rounds of the week,” Shipley said. “I think Tiger made me feel really welcome. I mean, he was cool and chatty. It was just a kind of cool, casual round with Tiger, other than the fact that he was coming to the Masters.” Tane.”
On Sunday, Shipley fulfilled the dream of many golfers, and it will be a central memory for him that he won’t soon forget.
The 22-year-old will also be in the field at Valhalla at the PGA Championship in May.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
