Neal Shipley carded a third-round 6-under 65 on Saturday at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove to maintain a one-shot lead over Ben Kohles at the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, according to Associated Press reports. Shipley reached a 21-under 192 total, notching his third straight bogey-free round in the first of eight tournaments in the FedExCup Fall.
Shipley Extends Lead in Asheville
Entering Sunday’s final round, PGA Tour rookie Neal Shipley sits atop the leaderboard at 21-under 192 following a 65 on Saturday. According to Associated Press reporting, Shipley’s round featured an eagle and a birdie on the back-nine par 5s. He opened the tournament with a 65 and followed it with a 62 on Friday.
“Just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Shipley told the Associated Press. “Keep being me and keep having fun out there. Keep that mindset of going out there, chasing birdies and trying to get it as low as possible tomorrow.”
Did You Know? The FedExCup Fall consists of eight tournaments that determine the top 100 in the FedExCup who keep full cards for next season. According to Shipley, retaining a full card “would take a lot of stress off my back.”
Kohles Chases First PGA Tour Title
Ben Kohles remains within striking distance, matching Shipley’s third-round 65 to sit one stroke back. According to the Associated Press, Kohles birdied three of his final four holes and eagled the par-5 third while playing alongside Shipley in the final threesome.
“Happy with the day,” Kohles told the Associated Press. “Played solid. Took advantage of par 5s, which, like I said yesterday, is something you got to do out here on this course.” Both players are chasing their first PGA Tour title.
Key Shotmaking on the Back Nine
Execution on the course’s par 5s proved decisive during the third round. According to Associated Press coverage, Shipley hit a 227-yard approach shot to seven and a half feet to set up an eagle on the par-5 15th hole. He added a birdie on the par-5 17th before closing out his round with a par.
Tournament officials adjusted tee times and grouped players into threesomes on Saturday due to the possibility of late-afternoon storms in the Asheville area, according to the Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Biltmore Championship Asheville?
Neal Shipley leads the tournament at 21-under par after three rounds, holding a one-shot advantage over Ben Kohles, according to the Associated Press.
What is the stakes for players in the Biltmore Championship?
As part of the FedExCup Fall schedule, the event contributes to determining which players finish inside the top 100 in the FedExCup who keep full cards for next season, according to Associated Press data.
What were the scoring conditions during the third round?
Both leaders shot 6-under 65s on Saturday at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, with tee times moved up and players grouped in threesomes to beat forecasted late-afternoon storms, according to the Associated Press.
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