Neal Shipley inspires field at WPGA Amateur; Piatt leads as play is suspended

What Neal Shipley accomplished this spring — being the low amateur in two major golf tournaments — caught the eye of the players participating in the 124th Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Amateur Championship on Monday.

In fact, Shipley, who is turning pro later this week, was scheduled to play in the WPGA Amateur — his final amateur event — but was forced to withdraw because of travel back from Pinehurst, N.C.

While many of the players were looking forward to playing against Shipley one more time, they understood why he couldn’t play and were proud of his achievements at the Masters and U.S. Open.

Shipley became only the sixth golfer to be the low amateur on both majors. He joined Ken Venturi, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar and Viktor Hovland to do it the same year. He is only the second golfer in the past 25 years to do it.

Shipley will begin his pro career in Victoria, British Columbia, as a member of the PGA Tour Americas in Canada.

Darin Kowalski has locked horns against Shipley a few times over the years, and what he has done with his game could inspire many young players in Western Pennsylvania.

“What Neal is doing kind of shows all the best amateurs and all these college kids like Nathan (Piatt) and Rocco (Salvitti) that it’s possible,” Kowalski said. “He set an example. I think Nathan (Smith) first and now what Neal is doing is impressive, and it’s something we all want to follow and do.”

Kowalski said he watched the U.S. Open and was hoping Shipley could play in the WPGA Amateur, which is being held at Chartiers Country Club.

“I’m a fan that anytime the field could be as strong as possible, that’s all we want as competitors,” Kowalski said. “So we want Neal to be here, but, obviously, we understand.”

Piatt, an Upper St. Clair grad and Radford player, leads after 36 holes at 6-under-par 134. Also at 6-under is Ryan Ferry, who completed 27 holes before play was suspended.

Play will resume 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Piatt said he was satisfied with his Day 1 performance and hoped to continue his strong play.

Future West Virginia Mountaineer Nick Turowski of Harrison City was third at 5-under 135.

“I played really solid,” Turowski said. “I made a few bogeys and a few birdies. On No. 12 I had a real good birdie. I was in the rough and hit one of my best shots of the day and made birdie, and then I hit a flop shot on No. 13 and made eagle. It got me going.”

Turowski said it would have been cool if Shipley would have played.

“He did something pretty special,” he said. “I wish he would have been here so I could say I played against him. But he’s doing bigger and better things.”

Turowski said seeing what Shipley did should be a motivator for any amateur golfers in Western Pennsylvania.

“Watching him should fire up all the young kids playing golf,” Turowski said. “Someone they know is actually doing it.”

First-round leader Chuck Tragesser of Murrysville is at 4-under 136. Tragesser shot a 5-under 65 during Round 1. It was quite a turnaround for Tragesser, who shot a disastrous 83 during the final round of the Sunnehanna Amateur on Saturday.

After the second round finishes, the field with be cut for the final 18 holes.