Amateur golfer Neal Shipley creates history at the US Open and the Masters after stunning performance

Amateur golfer Neal Shipley got a chance to play in two Major tournaments this year, and he's made the most of it. He played in the Masters and the US Open, concluding his fourth round at Pinehurst No. 2 around 4:00 pm EST on Sunday. After doing so, he made history by being the first amateur in the last half-decade to earn low amateur honors at both events.

Per the PGA Tour, Shipley's score of six over par was two shots ahead of fellow amateur Luke Clanton and 10 shots clear of Gunnar Broin, the only two amateurs to make the cut alongside him.

Shipley was the best amateur in the field at the Masters Tournament in April as well, giving him a distinction not earned by anyone since Viktor Hovland in 2019.

Hovland is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in golf. He hasn't yet put it together for a Major win and missed the cut this weekend at Pinehurst, but he has a bright future. The comparison would suggest the same for Shipley when he eventually turns pro.

Shipley is currently a senior at Ohio State University. He got the chance to play in both the Masters and this weekend's US Open via exemptions. He made the most of both outings, cementing himself as a talent to be reckoned with.

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Neal Shipley handles rules controversy like PGA Tour veteran

After five birdies and a really strong start, Neal Shipley's wedge shot on the 13th hole on Saturday didn't land very well. The ball was on an upslope. Shipley placed his club behind it and then noticed it move.

He alerted rules officials, who deemed a one-stroke penalty was in order. Aaron Rai, his playing partner, and the officials agreed that the penalty should stand.

Neal Shipley played well at the US Open

The USGA said in its ruling (via Golf Digest):

"In preparing to make the stroke, Neal set the club down behind the ball and then adjusted the club when the ball then moved. Because the ball had been at rest for some time and then moved immediately after he adjusted his club, it is virtually certain that he caused the ball to move."

Shipley was disappointed by the ruling but handled it maturely. He told the media:

"Making the assumption that my club was what caused it to move is a fair assessment. Honestly, I don't think I caused it to move, but it doesn't really matter what I think. It's a tough one to swallow, but that's golf. You have to move on."

It ultimately didn't hurt as much since Shipley is still placed as the highest amateur on the leaderboard. Six over par is normally not an inspiring score, but it is a positive outing for him and a win against all other amateurs in the US Open field.