Neal Shipley has Colorado’s Number

By combining data and hard work, Shipley has shown how to compete in Colorado tournaments

By Garrett Johnson & Jim Bebbington

Every year, champions are made at Colorado golf tournaments.

Each summer, professional events give elite players a chance to shine, while thousands of others compete at the high school, club, and community levels.

But what does it actually take to win in Colorado?

To find out, Colorado AvidGolfer spoke with Neal Shipley, who has found success in two of the state’s biggest recent tournaments.

The Pittsburgh native first made waves in 2023 at the U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club. With his long hair and confident play, Shipley captured national attention as he advanced all the way to the final match.

He returned in 2025 for the Ascendant presented by Blue Championship at TPC Colorado—and this time, he finished the job.

Coming from seven strokes back on the final day, Shipley stormed to victory and secured his PGA Tour card.

“I’ve got a lot of great memories from both those events,” Shipley said.

Thriving Under Pressure

At Cherry Hills, Shipley demonstrated the resilience required to compete at the highest level.

After advancing through stroke play, he battled through a grueling match-play bracket, winning tight contests—including a 20-hole showdown in the round of 32.

His defining moment came in the semifinals, when he hit a near-perfect iron shot on the 17th hole that stopped within a foot of the cup. That birdie secured his place in the final and earned him exemptions into both the U.S. Open and the Masters.

“It feels great to perform when you’re under pressure,” Shipley said. “That’s what we’re all chasing.”

Though he ultimately fell to Nick Dunlap in the final, the performance launched his career.

A Comeback for the Ages

Two years later at TPC Colorado, Shipley delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory.

Starting the final round seven shots behind, he went on a tear—recording birdies and an eagle to reach 8-under through 10 holes.

Even after a costly double bogey on the par-5 13th, he responded immediately. On the very next hole—a 273-yard par 3—he nearly holed out his tee shot, setting up a momentum-saving birdie.

That resilience carried him through the closing stretch, where he sealed the win with a clutch putt in front of an energized crowd.

Why Colorado Golf Is Different

Shipley credits much of his success to preparation—especially when it comes to playing at altitude.

Before the U.S. Amateur, he used launch monitor data to simulate Denver conditions, adjusting for elevation and temperature. He also arrived early to play practice rounds at local municipal courses before stepping onto Cherry Hills.

Equipment matters, too. Shipley switched from a Pro V1 to a Pro V1x golf ball to generate more spin and optimize ball flight in thinner air.

The courses themselves also present a unique challenge.

“A lot of championship courses just keep getting longer,” he said. “But at Cherry Hills, the defense is in the greens and the design. It’s such a great layout.”

A Special Connection to Colorado

Beyond the competition, Shipley points to the atmosphere as a defining factor.

At TPC Colorado, he was struck by the strong fan support, even at a course located well outside the city. The layout, he noted, makes it especially enjoyable for spectators to follow the action.

As he continues his rookie season on the PGA Tour, Shipley hopes to return.

“I know I’ve got a great track record out there in Colorado,” he said. “I’d love to come back and maybe win a couple more.”