Peter Malnati and Neal Shipley opened with 6-under 65s in Asheville, putting both in contention as they fight to secure PGA Tour status for 2027.
Peter Malnati and Neal Shipley couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the FedExCup Fall.
Both players opened the Biltmore Championship Asheville with 6-under 65s Thursday at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, moving into a tie for third and giving themselves an early opportunity to make major moves in the FedExCup standings.
For Malnati and Shipley, this isn’t simply about chasing a trophy.
Malnati entered the week No. 169 in the FedExCup standings, while Shipley began at No. 183. With the top 100 becoming increasingly important in the battle for PGA Tour status, every round carries added pressure.
Malnati responded with one of his strongest starts in months.
He played his opening nine in a bogey-free 4-under 31 and didn't make his first bogey until No. 14. Rather than letting the mistake derail his round, Malnati answered with birdies at Nos. 15 and 17 to finish at 6-under.
“I’ve been working really hard,” Malnati said. “I took one week off and then had four weeks of grind, and I was feeling awesome about my work.”
The stakes aren't lost on the veteran, either.
“I felt pretty nervous when I woke up this morning because it’s been a long time since I’ve not been fully exempt on Tour,” Malnati said.
Shipley finds himself facing a similar challenge and produced an equally important opening round.
The former Ohio State standout also posted a 65 without making a bogey, including playing the course’s five demanding par-3 holes in 1-under.
“The par threes are challenging; they’re long, and I think that’s where most of the teeth in the golf course is,” Shipley said.
Shipley's goal for the FedExCup Fall is straightforward.
“A win would take care of that,” Shipley said of reaching the top 100. “Now I’m really focused on trying to win this fall. That is definitely the main goal.”
One round won't solve either player's status concerns, but Thursday changed the equation.
Malnati and Shipley entered Asheville needing something substantial. After matching 65s, they're no longer merely trying to survive the FedExCup Fall.
They've put themselves in position to contend for the inaugural Biltmore Championship ... and potentially change the trajectory of their 2027 seasons in the process.
