Neal Shipley returned to Mt. Lebanon Golf Course, weeks before he’s hoping to play in the U.S Open. Random Golf Club filmed the 25-year-old pro golfer at the course he grew up playing on for their YouTube channel and podcast.

Before heading to the green, Shipley discussed the specs of his golf clubs and gave viewers an inside look at his personal equipment bag. Along with the clubs and tees, Shipley keeps a stash of beef sticks and raw cashews. “When I’m on the road so much you have to be picky about what you’re putting in your body.”

In the background, Mt. Lebanon Golf Course head starter Dick Schneider watched as the player he coached as a child talked about his pro career.

“He’s one of the best kids,” Schneider remarked.

In 2008, Schneider was one of the founding organizers of the Mt. Lebanon Junior Golf Association, which taught 10- to 17-year-olds how to play. Shipley was one of the players on the very first day of JGA.

The 10- to 12-year-old kids went last, and Shipley stepped up, noticeably younger than the rest. Schneider asked him how old he was, and Shipley said 8. He told him this group was for older kids, but Shipley confidently assured him, “I can play,” and with his first swing, made it on the green and in the hole within two shots. Schneider went on to coach Shipley in the JGA for the next three years.

Almost two decades later, Shipley stepped up to the first hole again, and Schneider told him, “I put your first tee up where you made your first shot.” Shipley replied, “I’ll send one from the O.G. all right. Where I hit on my first golf course,” he told the camera crew.

The ground was still soggy from a week’s worth of storms and the dark clouds above threatening rain. Shipley made it through the windy weather without issue, but did comment on the unique challenges at the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course.

“Since there’s a gust, on the first four holes, everything goes towards the Shop ‘n Save,” he said, gesturing toward the supermarket over the hill.

His golf mate comments that on some level, amateur courses can be even more difficult than professional ones. Shipley agreed, adding, that the degree of slopes adds an extra challenge. “It’s just Pittsburgh golf clubs. It’s a hilly city.”

Shipley personally chose to come back to Mt. Lebanon Golf Course for this project. “I told my team, if we’re going to do it, it should be this one. And plus, it’s five minutes from my house,” the Markham neighborhood native said. “It’s awesome to be back home. Always good to be back. I really enjoy spending time with family and friends.”

Last year, Shipley was the seventh golfer in history to be the low amateur at both the Masters and the U.S. Open. This year, Shipley competed in the 2025 Korn Ferry Tournaments and the PGA Tour Valspar Championship. He earned his first professional career win at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, during the Korn Ferry Tour. If he qualifies, he’ll return to Pittsburgh next month to compete in the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.