He idolized Tiger Woods as a kid. On Masters Sunday, he played with him

In 2007, Neal Shipley Sr. took his young son, Neal Jr., to watch Tiger Woods practice at Oakmont Country Club. Fast forward to this year’s Masters at Augusta National, and 22-year-old Neal Jr., now a college senior, found himself paired with his childhood idol in the final round.

Shipley, a fifth-year senior at Ohio State with a colorful personality, earned his spot in the Masters by finishing runner-up at the U.S. Amateur. Despite his expressive nature, Shipley approached the tournament with serious preparation, having played over 140 practice holes at Augusta and received strategic advice from golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

His Masters debut was impressive, breaking par in the first round and making the cut as the only amateur. But the highlight came on Sunday when Shipley was paired with Woods. Despite initial nerves, Shipley held his own, outscoring Woods by four strokes and enjoying casual conversation with the golf legend throughout the round.

As they walked off the 18th green, Shipley soaked in the cheers from the crowd, grateful for the experience of a lifetime. With his family and high school sweetheart by his side, Shipley reflected on the surreal moment, sharing his love and gratitude with those closest to him.

In the end, Shipley’s round with Woods was more than just a game of golf—it was a dream realized, a memory to cherish for a lifetime.