Neal Shipley has spent three days refusing to make mistakes at the Biltmore Championship Asheville.
Now he’s one round away from turning that consistency into his first PGA Tour victory.
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Shipley fired a 6-under 65 Saturday at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, reaching 21-under 192 and maintaining a one-shot lead over Ben Kohles heading into Sunday’s final round.
It was Shipley’s third consecutive bogey-free round after opening with a 65 and following with a 62 on Friday.
“Just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Shipley said. “Keep being me and keep having fun out there.”
The rookie’s biggest move came late.
Shipley hit his approach to the par-5 15th from 227 yards to roughly 7 1/2 feet and converted the eagle.
He added another birdie at the par-5 17th before making par at the last to preserve the outright lead.
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He’ll need more of the same Sunday because Kohles isn’t going anywhere.
Kohles also posted a 6-under 65, closing with birdies on three of his final four holes to finish at 20 under. He also eagled the par-5 third and, like Shipley, is chasing his first PGA Tour title.
“Happy with the day,” Kohles said. “Played solid. Took advantage of par 5s.”
That has become the clear formula this week.
Shipley has been almost flawless through 54 holes, but the stakes extend well beyond one trophy.
He entered the week No. 183 in the FedExCup standings, well outside the top 100 players who retain full PGA Tour status for next season.
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A victory would deliver a two-year exemption and also secure a place in the Tour’s more lucrative Championship Series structure beginning in 2028.
“It would be huge,” Shipley said. “It would take a lot of stress off my back, that’s for sure.”
There are still challengers within striking distance.
MORE: Neal Shipley Seizes Biltmore Lead With Career-Low 62
Eric Cole, after a 64, and Ricky Castillo, after a 65, are tied for third at 17 under. Jacob Bridgeman and Max Greyserman sit another shot back at 16 under.
But Sunday begins with Shipley in control. Three rounds. No bogeys. One-shot lead. Now comes the hard part: finishing it.
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