At the start of the US Open, an impressive number of amateurs were among the 156-player field. In total, 16 players from the amateur game teed it up at Pinehurst No.2 on Thursday for the opening round. However, as the tournament heads into the weekend, only three remain.
Here’s what we know about the trio of amateur stars who are set to play all 72 holes of the third Major of the year.
Neal Shipley
Neal Shipley began the third round on three-over
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Of the three amateurs who made it this far, Shipley is the most recognizable thanks to his fantastic display at The Masters, where he won the Silver Cup as low-amateur and was even paired with 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods in the final round at Augusta National.
It wasn’t just Shipley’s on-course achievements that made an impact that week, either. He also made a big impression off it, particularly after he caused a stir when he joined Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, winner Scottie Scheffler and outgoing champion Jon Rahm at Butler Cabin and went viral after he was seen repeatedly glancing at something off-camera!
Shipley took the unexpected attention in great spirit, which further endeared him to his new-found fans.
The Ohio State student graduate’s whirlwind 2024 was extended to the Pinehurst No.2 Major, and that’s thanks to his performance at the 2023 US Amateur. Shipley finished second behind Nick Dunlap at the tournament, but, as well as a maiden Masters appearance, it also guaranteed his slot at the US Open.
Once again, he has demonstrated he is a player to watch in the future, particularly as he has revealed he is set to turn professional after the Major. He carded rounds of 70 and 73 over the first two days at Pinehurst No.2 to leave him T37 with another promising amateur…
Gunnar Broin
Gunnar Broin carded a two-under 68 in the second round to make the cut by two
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University of Kansas golfer Broin was facing the prospect of an early exit after an opening round of 75 at the US Open, but he rallied spectacularly on Friday, shooting a two-under 68 to see him tied with Shipley in T37 and into the weekend’s action with two shots to spare following a jump up the leaderboard of 68 places.
Broin booked his place at the Major via final qualifying after he…
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