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Why does Rocket Mortgage Classic contender Troy Merritt wear Detroit Mercy gear at home in Idaho?

Tony Paul, The Detroit News on

Published in Golf

Same game, just for money.

Neal Shipley, who was low amateur at the Masters and U.S. Open before turning pro a week ago, is going to cash a paycheck in his PGA Tour debut as a professional. Despite new NIL rules, amateurs don't get paid at pro tournaments.

Shipley, 23, an Ohio State alum, fired a 4-under 68 on Friday and was at 9 under through his two rounds, after a 5-under 67 on Thursday. He was four strokes off the lead.

"With my experience with the majors, I don't feel like there's a big learning curve for me," said Shipley, who joined such luminaries as Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson who finished as low amateur at the Masters and U.S. Open in the same season. "Pretty fortunate to have had two great experiences at Augusta and then at Pinehurst, kind of been in the mix at both at certain times throughout the week, so I feel really comfortable.

"I had a great week last week as a professional, as well."

In his pro debut, Shipley tied for ninth at a PGA Tour Americas event, earning more than $6,000. He's going to earn significantly more than that this week in Detroit.

 

"Just getting settled in and playing really good golf," said Shipley, "and good golf travels, no matter if you're an amateur or a professional."

Cam's back

It's been a minute since Cam Davis had big crowds around him, but that was the case in the first two rounds here as the 2021 Rocket champion played alongside stars Rickie Fowler and Will Zalatoris.

Fowler and Zalatoris shot 6-under 66s on Thursday, to Davis' 4-under 68.

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