Viral Masters star has epic 'stress' remedy as he chases first PGA Tour win

Neal Shipley is hoping to shed the weight of "stress" as he chases his first PGA Tour victory at the Biltmore Championship Asheville.

But he insisted he would have no trouble sleeping on the lead, spending his Saturday night eating at Chipotle and watching college football. The 25-year-old holds a one-shot lead over Ben Kohles at Walnut Cove, North Carolina, and he has the opportunity to secure his future with a victory.

Shipley will earn a two-year PGA Tour exemption, plus a guaranteed spot in the lucrative Championship Series when it debuts in 2028. A win would be the ideal tonic for the Pennsylvania native after a chastening debut season on the PGA Tour.

Shipley was expected to make a leap after winning twice on the Korn Ferry Tour last season.

But he has made just eight cuts in 20 starts, and he is languishing at 183rd in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, leaving him on the brink of losing his card.

The 2024 Masters silver medallist knows the stakes are high on Sunday. "It would be huge. It would take a lot of stress off my back, that's for sure.

"It's one of those things I'm playing really well and I know it's a matter of time for me, so I'm going to give it my best shot tomorrow and lay it all out there and see what happens."

Would the pressure lead to a sleepless night? "I'm going to sleep fine," he replied. "I have no issues with that. I am probably going to go grab some Chipotle, maybe hang out and watch some college football."

Shipley introduced himself to golf fans by finishing as the low amateur while playing alongside Tiger Woods at Augusta National two years ago, and he became a meme with some strange facial expressions as he sat beside Green Jacket winner Scottie Scheffler in Butler Cabin.

Shipley has set the pace at 21 under par, one shot clear of Kohles, who is also chasing his first win. He plans to "attack" from the outset on Sunday.

"Pedal down," he said of his game plan. "I think you're seeing some really good scores ... There are some guys shooting 10 under, 9 under, and I had an eight yesterday. [I have got to] shoot a good round to give yourself a chance.

"It would mean a lot. We all want to win every week we tee it up, and it's really hard to do.

"I know if I stay committed to my process and commit to every shot, I'm going to be happy with the results no matter what they are."

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