Photo Adam Cairns-USA TODAY NETWORK
Shipley's 'whirlwind' Masters built on West Penn foundation
April 16, 2024
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications
Neal Shipley stepped to the first tee at Augusta National Thursday morning. The strong Georgia winds gusted, continuing the development of the tears already welling in his eyes, as the Mt. Lebanon native drove his tee in the ground on the first teeing area.
His opening swing sailed 301 yards right, landing among the Chinese Fir trees lining the opening fairway.
A punch out into a green-side bunker was followed by an impressive save for par. And, that quickly, the wildest weekend of the amateur’s life was underway.
“I was more emotional than anything else,” says Shipley of the opening hole. “I had some tears going a little bit. It wasn’t like I was crazy nervous or shaking. I was more just emotional and grateful for the opportunity. I just tried to make the best swing I could.”