Rookie Shipley Finds Groove at Phoenix Open

After a slow start to the PGA Tour season, Neal Shipley made his first cut at the WM Phoenix Open.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Neal Shipley, a rookie on the PGA Tour, struggled with his game early in the 2026 season, missing the first three cuts. However, at the WM Phoenix Open, Shipley made his first cut of the year at 3-under par. Shipley's caddie Greg Dyne said the electric atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale seemed to energize the young player, who thrives on the unique environment of the Phoenix Open.

Why it matters

Shipley is a rising young talent who earned his PGA Tour card last year through the Korn Ferry Tour. After a slow start to his rookie season, making the cut at the Phoenix Open could be a turning point that helps Shipley build momentum and confidence going forward.

The details

Shipley shot over-par in two of his first three starts on the PGA Tour, including an 8-over at the Sony Open and 3-over at Torrey Pines. He also missed the cut at the American Express in late January. However, at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, Shipley made his first cut of the year at 3-under par. His caddie Greg Dyne said Shipley seems to thrive on the unique atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale, where the crowds are lively and "there are pretty much no rules." Despite the excitement, Shipley acknowledged he needs to improve his putting, saying he was "putting like a blind man" through the first three rounds.

  • Shipley missed the first three cuts of the 2026 PGA Tour season.
  • Shipley made the cut at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at 3-under par.

The players

Neal Shipley

A rookie on the PGA Tour who earned his card last year through the Korn Ferry Tour, where he had two victories and five top-five finishes.

Greg Dyne

Shipley's caddie, who has been working with him since his time on the Korn Ferry Tour.

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What they’re saying

“I'll be honest, in Hawaii (at the Sony Open in mid-January) I didn't feel very prepared. I kind of came off Christmas holiday and got back to Florida, and my game was not where it should have been.”

— Neal Shipley (azcentral.com)

“The vibe is electric. I think he kind of thrives off that. It's that one tournament a year where there are pretty much no rules, and we kind of accept that coming in.”

— Greg Dyne, Shipley's caddie (azcentral.com)

“It's just kind of good fun. You hit it … like (Feb. 5) pin, and if you miss it on the right fringe, you got a great look at birdie. But they're going to boo you even if you're an inch off the green.”

— Neal Shipley (azcentral.com)

What’s next

Shipley will look to build on his strong finish at the Phoenix Open and continue improving his game as he seeks to establish himself on the PGA Tour.

The takeaway

Despite a slow start to his rookie season, Shipley's performance at the WM Phoenix Open shows he has the talent and mentality to succeed on the PGA Tour. The unique atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale seemed to bring out the best in the young player, and if he can continue to improve his putting, he could be poised for a breakout season.