Neal Shipley wins first Korn Ferry Tour title at LECOM Suncoast Classic

Neal Shipley secured his first professional victory by winning the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic in a five-hole playoff against Seungtaek Lee. Shipley, a 24-year-old Ohio State graduate who gained national attention as the low amateur at the Masters and U.S. Open last year, clinched the title with a dramatic 38-foot birdie putt on the final playoff hole. His final-round 7-under 64 propelled him into the playoff after starting four shots back, and the win earned him $180,000 and moved him to third place on the Korn Ferry Tour points list. Shipley now has a strong chance to finish the season inside the top 20, which would grant him a PGA Tour card for 2026. The victory marks a milestone not just for Shipley, but also continues a strong stretch for Ohio State golf alumni, following Maxwell Moldovan’s recent win on the PGA Tour Americas. Shipley's breakthrough highlights his growing status as one of golf’s promising young talents.