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  • Neal Shipley WITB 2025 (22nd March, 2025) - What's In The Bag? The Valspar Championship

Neal Shipley WITB 2025 (22nd March, 2025) - What's In The Bag? The Valspar Championship

Let’s dive into Neal Shipley’s 2025 setup, which has been tailored for accuracy, distance, and control — especially given the demanding conditions he’ll face at tournaments like the Valspar.

March 22, 2025

Wedges: Ping s159 (46°-12S, 50°-12S, 54°-12S, 60°) with True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 X100 (46°-54°) and True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60°) shafts

Who is Neal Shipley and WITB for 2025?

Neal Shipley is a golfer who’s not content to just blend into the crowd. The kind of player who’s just as comfortable cracking a joke as he is bombing a drive down the fairway, Shipley’s personality shines almost as brightly as his game. Though his name might not be top of mind for casual fans, this guy’s been quietly making his presence known on the PGA Tour.

Shipley’s journey to the top hasn’t been a quick one. He’s spent plenty of time working his way through mini-tours and earning his stripes before finally breaking through to the big leagues. His rise isn’t your typical "quick breakthrough" story, and that’s exactly what makes him interesting. He’s had his ups and downs, but his determination to succeed keeps him competitive and in the mix.

As for his 2025 season, Shipley’s been making adjustments to his game and his equipment. However, like many players, he’s faced his struggles. At this year’s Valspar Championship, Shipley didn’t make the cut – a tough pill for any player, especially on a course like Innisbrook, where precision and power are key. But for Shipley, it’s just another day at the office. His mentality? Focus on the next tournament, make necessary adjustments, and keep grinding.

And if you’ve seen him on Full Swing Season 3, you already know Shipley’s not afraid to be himself. The Netflix series shows the man behind the clubs, offering a peek at his more relaxed, humorous side. Whether he's delivering his lines with sarcasm or breaking down golf mechanics, Shipley’s authenticity comes through loud and clear. It's this unique personality that keeps fans coming back for more.

Neal Shipley's Golf Bag and Equipment: The 2025 Setup

Let’s dive into Neal Shipley’s 2025 setup, which has been tailored for accuracy, distance, and control — especially given the demanding conditions he’ll face at tournaments like the Valspar.

Driver: Ping G440 LST (9° @7)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 7 X (45 inches, tipped 1 inch)
Shipley’s go-to driver for the 2025 season is the Ping G440 LST, known for its low spin and forgiving nature. The setup is perfect for players who want to maximize distance without sacrificing accuracy. This club is designed to give Shipley that edge on tight fairways, especially when power and precision are non-negotiable.

Mini Driver: Ping G440 Max (12° @7.5)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 7 X (43.5 inches, tipped 1.5 inches)
For those moments when Shipley needs a bit more forgiveness, he turns to the G440 Max mini-driver. With a higher loft and shorter shaft, it gives him a reliable club off the tee, especially when the fairways demand a little more control and less risk.

3 Wood: Ping G430 LST (15° @11.5)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
The G430 LST 3-wood is a versatile weapon in Shipley’s bag. It’s designed for both distance and control, making it the perfect choice when he’s faced with long par-4s or needing to reach the green in two on a par-5. The Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X shaft complements the club, giving him that added consistency.

3 Wood: Titleist TSR3 (13.5°, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
The TSR3 is all about precision. Shipley uses this 3-wood when he wants to focus on keeping his shots low and controlled. This club allows him to manage the conditions and stay on target when other clubs might get a bit too aggressive.

5 Wood: Ping G440 Max (19° @17.5)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus VeloCore+ Black 8 X
The 5-wood is crucial when the fairways require a club that offers both distance and trajectory control. Shipley’s G440 Max has the perfect combination of forgiveness and launch, making it an ideal club for approach shots that demand precision.

Irons: Ping iCrossover (3), Ping i230 (3), Ping Blueprint S (4, 5), Ping Blueprint T (6-9)
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Black HB 9 TX (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 X100 (4-9)
These irons are a blend of control and power, with Shipley relying on the iCrossover for long-distance shots and the Blueprint irons for finesse around the greens. This setup gives him the confidence to attack pins and hit shots from every part of the course.

Wedges: Ping s159 (46-12S, 50-12S, 54-12S, 60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 X100 (46-54), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60)
When it comes to wedge play, Shipley trusts the Ping s159 series. These wedges allow him to be aggressive with his short game while maintaining the spin control needed for tight pins and tricky lies.

Putter: Ping PLD Anser 2
A classic putter that’s all about feel. Shipley’s putting game thrives with the Ping PLD Anser 2, a club that offers both stability and accuracy on those crucial putts.

Ball & Grips:

  • Titleist Pro V1x

  • Golf Pride ZGrip Cord grips

Neal Shipley’s Biography and Career Performances

While Shipley didn’t make the cut at the Valspar this year, his journey in golf is still one worth following. Having worked his way up through the mini-tours, Shipley’s game has evolved to where he’s consistently competing with the best. His perseverance and willingness to adapt have kept him in the game, and it's only a matter of time before we see his breakthrough moment.

At Innisbrook, Shipley’s equipment setup has been tailored for the demands of a tough course. With tight fairways, thick rough, and fast greens, a setup that prioritizes control over raw distance is crucial. Shipley’s adjustments, particularly in the wedge department, have been aimed at helping him navigate these challenges with greater spin and accuracy.

In the 2024 season, Shipley made key changes to his wedge lineup, opting for the Ping s159 series to give him better control in tight spots around the greens. This was a necessary adjustment for a course like Innisbrook, where accuracy is king. And while the results at the Valspar might not have gone as planned, Shipley’s experience and equipment setup continue to position him well for future success.

As for his next steps, Shipley will undoubtedly bounce back. Golf is a game of resilience, and Neal Shipley has that in spades. He might not have made the cut this time, but with his gear and determination, the next tournament could very well be his moment to shine.

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