Former Ohio State Golfer Hits First Ace in TGL Debut

Neal Shipley's hole-in-one sparks celebration as Bay Golf Club defeats Los Angeles 11-5.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Neal Shipley, a former Ohio State golfer, recorded the first hole-in-one in TGL (Tech Golf League) history during his debut appearance on February 9th. Shipley's ace on the 110-yard, par-3 fifth hole helped lead his Bay Golf Club team to an 11-5 victory over Los Angeles at the Sofi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Why it matters

Shipley's impressive feat in his TGL debut has generated significant buzz around the new indoor golf league, which aims to bring a fresh and innovative format to the sport. As a rising star, Shipley's performance has further solidified his status as a fan favorite with his unique style and personality.

The details

Shipley's hole-in-one landed on the back fringe and spun into the hole, sparking a wild celebration from his teammates. Teammate Luke Clanton even hopped on Shipley's back and went for a ride around the tee box, while teammate Min Woo Lee high-fived anyone nearby, including players from the opposing Los Angeles team.

  • Shipley recorded the first hole-in-one in TGL history on February 9, 2026.
  • Shipley's Bay Golf Club team defeated Los Angeles 11-5 in the match.

The players

Neal Shipley

A 25-year-old former Ohio State golfer who has won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour and gained attention for his runner-up finish at the 2023 U.S. Amateur, which earned him spots in the 2024 Masters and 2024 U.S. Open.

Luke Clanton

Shipley's teammate on the Bay Golf Club team.

Min Woo Lee

Shipley's teammate on the Bay Golf Club team.

Tony Finau

A player on the opposing Los Angeles team.

Tommy Fleetwood

A player on the opposing Los Angeles team.

Sahith Theegala

A player on the opposing Los Angeles team.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The TGL league will continue its inaugural season, with fans eager to see if Shipley can build on his historic hole-in-one performance.

The takeaway

Shipley's impressive debut in the new TGL indoor golf league has generated significant excitement, as his unique personality and rising star power have made him a fan favorite. The hole-in-one, the first in TGL history, has further solidified Shipley's status as a player to watch in the sport's evolving landscape.