Harrisonburg, VA, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Neal Shipley, a James Madison University alumnus, has secured his membership on the PGA TOUR for the upcoming 2026 season after a remarkable performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. Ranked No. 3 on the Points List, Shipley has already achieved two significant wins this season and is one of only four Korn Ferry members to earn PGA TOUR cards for 2026. His journey from JMU to professional golf is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and highlights the university’s growing reputation in the sport.
Harrisonburg, VA – Neal Shipley, a recent alumnus of James Madison University (JMU), has officially secured his membership on the PGA TOUR for the 2026 season. The announcement was made by the Korn Ferry Tour on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in Shipley’s burgeoning professional golf career.
As he joins the ranks of the prestigious tour, Shipley will be classified as a first-year member, rather than a rookie, due to his participation in eight PGA TOUR events in 2024. This distinction highlights the unique path he has taken to reach professional status.
Shipley, who currently sits at No. 3 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, has had an impressive season, with two event wins under his belt: the LECOM Suncoast Classic in April and the Ascendant presented by Blue in July. His successful performance on the Korn Ferry Tour has positioned him among the top competitors vying for PGA TOUR cards.
In total, 20 cards for the PGA TOUR will be available through the Korn Ferry Points List in 2025, and Shipley’s achievement places him firmly in contention to earn his place among elite golfers. Shipley now stands among only four Korn Ferry members who have earned PGA TOUR cards for the 2026 season.
Neal Shipley graduated from JMU in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in quantitative finance, showcasing not only his athletic ability but also his academic achievements. Prior to his time at JMU, he played two seasons at Ohio State University before turning professional in 2024.
Significantly, Shipley is the first golfer since Viktor Hovland in 2019 to earn low amateur honors at both The Masters and the U.S. Open, a testament to his skill and potential in the sport. In JMU’s golf program, he has recorded the sixth-lowest career scoring average of 72.93, further establishing himself as one of the standout players in the university’s history.
Shipley’s success resonates deeply within the JMU community, as he joins Mark Carnevale, who earned a PGA TOUR card in 1991, as one of only two alumni to reach this level. The achievement underscores not only his hard work and dedication but also the growing reputation of JMU’s golf program.
As of now, Shipley is focused on preparing for the upcoming season while maintaining his performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. His journey from a student-athlete at JMU to earning a place on the PGA TOUR is a source of inspiration for many aspiring golfers and students at the university.
FAQ
What university did Neal Shipley attend?
Neal Shipley graduated from James Madison University (JMU) in 2022.
What is significant about Shipley’s PGA TOUR membership?
Neal Shipley has earned his PGA TOUR membership for the 2026 season, making him one of only two JMU alumni to achieve this status.
How many Korn Ferry Tour members earned PGA TOUR cards for the 2026 season?
Shipley is one of four Korn Ferry members who earned a PGA TOUR card for the 2026 season.
What notable achievements did Shipley have in amateur golf?
Shipley is the first golfer since Viktor Hovland in 2019 to earn low amateur honors at both The Masters and the U.S. Open.
What is Shipley’s current ranking on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List?
Neal Shipley is currently ranked No. 3 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | James Madison University (JMU) |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Quantitative Finance |
| PGA TOUR Membership | Earned for the 2026 season |
| Korn Ferry Tour Ranking | No. 3 on Points List |
| Notable Wins | LECOM Suncoast Classic (April), Ascendant presented by Blue (July) |
| Career Scoring Average | 72.93 (6th lowest in JMU history) |
| Amateur Honors | Low amateur at The Masters and U.S. Open |
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Additional Resources
- JMU Sports: Neal Shipley Earns PGA TOUR Card
- Wikipedia: Professional Golfers’ Association
- JMU Sports: Dukes Take Home GCAA Team Academic Award
- Google Search: James Madison University Golf
- JMU Sports: Women’s Golf Announces 2025-26 Schedule
- Google Scholar: Neal Shipley Golf
- JMU Sports: Men’s Golf Rolls Out 2025-26 Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Korn Ferry Tour
- JMU Sports: Men’s Golf Signs DIII All-American Jonas Deleon
- Google News: Neal Shipley PGA News
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