Neal Shipley holds onto 1-shot lead over Ben Kohles the Biltmore Championship Asheville

Neal Shipley held onto a one-shot lead over Ben Kohles on Saturday in the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville, making an eagle and a birdie on the two back-nine par 5s in his third straight bogey-free round.

Official response and confirmed impact

Shipley had a 21-under 192 total on The Cliffs at Walnut Grove. “Just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Shipley said.

“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.”

The PGA Tour rookie also opened with a 65 and had a 62 on Friday in the first of eight tournaments in the FedEx Cup Fall that determine the top 100 in the FedEx Cup who keep full cards for next season.

Shipley entered the week 183rd in the standings.

A victory would not only give him a two-year exemption, it would secure him for the more lucrative Championship Series in 2028 when the tour revamps its schedule.

“It would be huge,” Shipley said. “It would take a lot of stress off my back, that’s for sure.