Reporter left red-faced as Neal Shipley shuts down Tiger Woods……
Neal Shipley, at the youthful age of 23, achieved a remarkable feat at Augusta National by being the lone amateur to complete all 72 holes of The Masters. His impressive performance earned him the coveted Silver Cup for low amateur. But what made his experience even more unforgettable was the opportunity to tee off alongside the legendary Tiger Woods in the final round.
Shipley’s final round pairing with Woods was more than just a stroke of luck; it was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Despite the daunting prospect of playing with a 15-time major champion, Shipley held his own admirably, outscoring Woods by four shots with a round of 73. This remarkable performance placed Shipley in a very respectable T53 position, finishing the tournament at 12-over par, four shots ahead of Woods, who ended up at the bottom of the leaderboard among those who made the cut, finishing at 16-over par.
Although Woods may have struggled during this particular Masters, he did achieve a noteworthy milestone by setting a new record for the most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National, with an impressive streak of 24.
Shipley, a graduate of Ohio State University, left his mark on The Masters by becoming the only amateur among five to make the cut, showcasing his talent and potential on one of golf’s grandest stages. Despite the intense competition and pressure, Shipley remained composed throughout, crediting Woods for helping him feel at ease during their round together.
In a post-round interview, Shipley dismissed rumors of Woods passing him a note during the 8th fairway, clarifying that no such interaction took place. However, the buzz surrounding his remarkable journey at Augusta National continued to generate excitement, even sparking some playful banter on social media platforms.
As Shipley reflected on his whirlwind week in the media center, it was evident that his performance had left a lasting impression not only on the spectators but also on his fellow competitors. With his name etched on the Silver Cup and memories of playing alongside a golfing icon, Neal Shipley’s journey at The Masters was truly one for the ages.