Neal Shipley won’t be competing at the U.S. Open this week after falling short in the final qualifying round, but he was back on the grounds at Oakmont Country Club on Monday, taking in the special scene at his former workplace.

“I’m a Pittsburgh boy through and through,” Shipley said. “Getting to enjoy the area is awesome; seeing family and friends while I’m home will be great.”

As a teen, the Mt. Lebanon native caddied at Oakmont Country Club, creating one of the fonder memories he has. The Central Catholic grad hopes to inspire kids who have the dream of playing professional golf just like he did.

“It was awesome to be back home at the tournament, and I think it’s cool to talk to all the kids, and hopefully it will inspire them that they can reach their dreams,” said Shipley, who signed autographs during the practice round Monday.

Shipley became a household name last year, competing as an amateur at The Masters and U.S. Open. He played alongside Tiger Woods at The Masters, shooting 12-over-par and finishing as the low amateur.

He then shot 6-over at last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehust to tie for 26th place, again as the low amateur.

Shipley hoped to qualify to play at Oakmont, which would have been his first major tournament since last year.

That dream was cut short in qualifying when he shot 1-over at Emerald Dunes Golf Club, missing the cut by 11 strokes.

Shipley was still excited to be on site Monday morning, signing autographs and talking to patrons at the course.

“It’s special to be back in Pittsburgh because this region means so much to me,” Shipley said.

While in Pittsburgh, Shipley will attend multiple charity events and take the time to be around his loved ones.

His focus the rest of the season will be his play on the Korn Ferry Tour. Next week, he will head to Crestview Country Club for the Wichita Open.

“For me, the rest of this season will be focusing on the Korn Ferry tour and getting to top 50 in the world, earning my PGA membership,” Shipley said.

That ranking would help solidify his spot at future major championships.

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