**Neal Shipley: Golf’s Rising Star Building Momentum on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours**
Neal Shipley may still be a new name to many golf fans, but his rapid rise in the sport is making it increasingly difficult to overlook him. The young golfer made headlines in 2024 after finishing as the lowest amateur in both the Masters and the U.S. Open — a rare feat that placed him in elite company alongside the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Shipley finished T53 at Augusta before making a significant leap with a T26 finish at Pinehurst during the U.S. Open.
Neal Shipley trailed by seven into Sunday @AscendantGolf.
He rallied for his second #KornFerryTour title of 2025! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/N3hNqmsDdE
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) July 13, 2025
His qualification for both majors came after a strong performance at the 2023 U.S. Amateur, where he finished runner-up. Adding another layer of historical symmetry, Shipley, like Nicklaus, also attended Ohio State University, strengthening the parallels between the rising star and one of golf’s greatest legends. Given those connections, it was fitting when Nicklaus Companies announced a sponsorship deal with Shipley in mid-2024.
### Sponsorship Support and Endorsements
The multi-year deal with Nicklaus Companies has Shipley wearing the Golden Bear logo on his apparel, symbolizing a passing of the torch from one Ohio State standout to another. “Since I first picked up a golf club, it’s been my dream to turn professional and compete on the PGA TOUR,” Shipley shared. “I am incredibly fortunate to have the support of a partner like Nicklaus Companies.”
Philip Cotton, CEO of Nicklaus Companies, praised Shipley as a “fresh approach to the game,” stating that he exemplifies the spirit of the brand.
In addition to this partnership, Shipley also boasts endorsements from major brands including Bridgestone Golf, Adidas, Mizuno, NetJets, and Nike. More recently, he signed a high-profile sponsorship with Claritev, a healthcare technology company, whose logo now appears on his shirt collar. The deal aligns Shipley with a mission focused on healthcare innovation, with both the golfer and Claritev leadership expressing excitement about the partnership.
### Early Success on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours
After turning pro in 2024, Shipley quickly made an impact. On the PGA Tour, he has earned three top-25 finishes from eight starts. These include a T6 at the ISCO Championship, T13 at the Procore Championship, and T20 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. While he missed the cut at the Charles Schwab Challenge and finished T47 at the Valspar Championship, his potential is undeniable.
His performances on the Korn Ferry Tour, however, have truly showcased his ability to close. Shipley claimed victory at The Ascendant at TPC Colorado in dramatic fashion, coming back from seven shots down on Sunday with a sizzling final-round 64. It marked his second title of the season, the first being the LECOM Suncoast Classic. Through 16 Korn Ferry Tour events, he has posted six top-25 finishes, placing himself firmly in contention for a PGA Tour card.
### Looking Ahead
Shipley’s combination of maturity, competitive edge, and broad sponsor backing places him in an ideal position to continue rising in professional golf. With early signs of consistency and resilience — two critical ingredients for sustained success — he’s already proving he’s more than a one-season wonder.
Whether Shipley becomes the next big name in golf or simply enjoys a solid career remains to be seen. But his current trajectory, paired with strong backing and elite-level performances, suggests that this young talent is well on his way to becoming a fixture on leaderboards for years to come.