“I think I have to win one of these things to kind of top this week. Definitely been a dream week, but looking forward to being out here soon hopefully.” After playing alongside Tiger Woods in the final rounds of the 2024 Masters, Neal Shipley has expressed optimism about his performance and his goals for his professional career. And with just 12 months to the statement, the golfer has started to move towards it.
Shipley, who until now had one victory at the 2022 Western Pennsylvania Open Championship as an amateur, has now started to leave fans impressed with his performance as a professional. Shipley has bagged his first professional victory at the Korn Ferry Tour event, i.e., LECOM Suncoast Classic. Interestingly, the golfer was falling behind by two strokes as he entered the final round. But the exceptional performance with 9 birdies pushed the match to a playoff. With five playoff holes, the golfer has won by a stroke over Korean professional Lee Seung-taek. Four pars and one birdie helped with his career-first victory.
Well, the credits, apart from his skillset and on-course performance, go to the golfer’s strong support system. Whether it was his caddie, parents, or coach, the support helped him secure his first career victory with a great score.
Neal Shipley’s cadddie
The 24-year-old has paired with Carter Pitcairn to take responsibility for his bag and help him continue with the great game on course. Notably, the duo shares a great bond both on and off the course. Graduates of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, who share the same passion for golf, are the ideal partners of the course. Even though Pitcairn caddied for Austin Greaser in the beginning during the 2021 US Amateur. However, since Shipley has begun making moves in his career, Pitcairn has been his strongest supporter.
As a sophomore on the Wisconsin golf team, the caddie has extensive experience with the course, having played collegiate golf himself. As a freshman in 2022-2023, his season average was 77, which by sophomore has improved to 75.64 strokes. Also, notably, the Wisconsin golfer was placed runner-up at the Wingglesworth Invitational with a new career low of 69.
Let it out, Ship!
Neal Shipley birdies the 5th playoff hole from DEEP to win the LECOM Suncoast Classic pic.twitter.com/eGdnB0GrEG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 19, 2025
With the same interest and strong bond, the duo first accompanied each other at the 2023 US Amateur, and following that, they were together at the 2024 Masters too. Now, Pitcairn has been the permanent and greatest support on and off the course for Shipley. Even the golfer earlier shared with the New York Times that Pitcairn helps him stay relaxed and entertained during the high-pressure professional tournaments, which is the key to better performance.
Away from his best friend and course support, his parents and coach have also played a pivotal role in shaping his career as a head-turning professional.
Shipley’s parents and coach
The 6-foot-3 golfer, with his impressive performance, has won over golf fans across the globe.
Even with his charming nature and infectious energy, he’s always been his own biggest cheerleader. Yet, the loudest applause still comes from his parents, who have been his supporters since day one. Shipley was born on December 23, 2000, to Neal and Susie Shipley, who share a close-knit bond. With the early exposure to sports, his parents have made sacrifices to help him pursue the sport. According to an interview, senior Shipley shared that not being part of the country clubs kept him away from the practice.
Determined to ensure his son didn’t face the same limitations, the golfer’s father joined the St. Clair Country Club to provide his son with the right exposure and training in the sport. Even with sacrifices, during his last appearance at the Masters, the father-son duo shared a moment where the father was seen in tears of pride for the junior Shipley’s achievement.
The golfer, with his long hitting abilities and precision putting, isn’t what he developed by himself; a huge credit for his game goes to his coach, Jay Moseley. The golfer, after graduating from Central Catholic High School and James Madison University, joined Ohio State University, where he met his lifetime mentor. The pivotal contribution has helped shape the golfer with adequate exposure to competitive events.
Now, with unlocking the first victory as a professional, Neal Shipley is all set to aim for his PGA Tour card and win the Masters, which he has dreamt of. But will he be able to get the PGA Tour card this year? Or will he have to wait for the next season? Share what you think in the comments section below.
The post Who Is Neal Shipley’s Support System? Parents, Caddie & More About the LECOM Suncoast Classic Winner appeared first on EssentiallySports.
