Shipley becomes one of a select few to win both events in same year—including fellow Ohio State Buckeye Jack Nicklaus
WEAR THE BEAR
Palm Beach Gardens, FL — Nicklaus Companies is pleased to congratulate Jack Nicklaus™ brand ambassador Neal Shipley, who on Sunday joined a select group of golfers in winning both the Masters and U.S. Open low amateur titles in the same year.
Shipley, the 23-year-old Ohio State golfer, added his name to the noteworthy list of players to achieve the feat—including fellow Buckeye alum Jack Nicklaus himself along with Viktor Hovland in 2019, Matt Kuchar in 1998, Phil Mickelson in 1991, Sam Randolph in 1986, Ken Venturi in 1956, Harvie Ward in 1955 and Billy Joe Patton in 1954.
“The past couple of months have been life-changing for me,” said Shipley. “I’ve appreciated all the support I received in order to accomplish what I have, and partnering with Nicklaus Companies for my apparel on the course has proven to be one of the keys to my success.”
Nicklaus Companies recognized the natural synergy between Shipley and its namesake and began sponsoring the breakout Buckeye star prior to this year’s Masters. On alternating days at the major championships, Shipley showcased fashion pieces from the Jack Nicklaus Black Label line and the Blue Label apparel collection by Perry Ellis International.
“Neal’s remarkable performances as an amateur at the Masters and U.S. Open this year were inspiring. His spirit and infectious style of play match perfectly with our company brand and ethos,” said Philip Cotton, Chief Executive Officer of Nicklaus Companies. “Our Jack Nicklaus Apparel collections that Neal just wore throughout both majors, brought our ‘tour-proven’ apparel line to a whole new generation of fans and followers.”
Shipley’s recent and historic success has allowed the golfing world to see the broad scope and contemporary appeal of the Nicklaus apparel lines. The newly launched ‘Heritage’ shirt that Shipley donned at Augusta and at the U.S. Open is a homage to Jack Nicklaus’ shirt that he wore when he won the 1986 Masters. The new fabric technology and fit of the Heritage has proven to be a best seller for the company.
“Through incredible talent and preparation, Neal continues to keep raising his own bar in his young career,” said Andy O’Brien, President, Nicklaus Brands. “As we market the Jack Nicklaus Apparel collections around the world, Neal is a charismatic and energetic ambassador that transcends borders and who represents a demographic that recognizes and appreciates styling and performance. Now thanks to his success, more people are discovering and experiencing our brand.”
The Jack Nicklaus™ Black Label apparel features the proprietary Coolplus™ quick-dry technology with moisture wicking yarns and UV protectant (UPF 50+) woven into each garment. Packaging for the products is made with biodegradable d2w® technology.
The Jack Nicklaus Black Label apparel, including the ‘Tour’ version Shipley wore at the U.S. Open is featured on Nicklaus Companies ecommerce site shop.nicklaus.com. The collection is also available at fairwayjockey.com, many Nicklaus Design™ golf courses, and a selection of fine retail outlets in the United States as well as many countries in Europe and Asia.
The 2024 Collection for the Blue Label was created by the talented design team at Perry Ellis International, now in its second successful decade with Nicklaus bringing golf-inspired lifestyle apparel to golfers across the country. The Blue Label collection worn by Shipley is available at www.golfapparelshop.com.
Shipley will turn pro this week at the North American section of PGA Tour Americas. The first tournament he will compete in as a pro will be the Victoria Open in Victoria, British Columbia.
About Nicklaus Companies
For 50 years, the mission of Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience and to deliver quality branded products and services on a global basis that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of its Founder, Jack Nicklaus. The Nicklaus Companies businesses include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of lifestyle products worldwide under the iconic Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear brands. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has created over 420 courses worldwide, open for play in 45 countries and 40 U.S states. In 2007, Jack Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein to further the growth of the company and expand the branded businesses. In addition to institutionalizing the Nicklaus brands for the future, Milstein has instilled a personal philosophy of “A Brand That Gives Back” with products and partners committing to donations to help the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and other charities. A leading entrepreneur in the golf industry, Milstein also created 8AM Golf, a family of companies that also includes GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com, Miura Golf, Club Conex, True Spec Golf and GolfLogix. All share a common mission to help players at all levels enjoy the game more. We leverage our winning heritage to achieve excellence, foster growth and champion social good. We activate modern strategies and techniques to enhance our customer’s lives and match the high standards set in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus.
About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and fragrances. The company’s collections of men’s dress and casual sportswear, golf sportswear, lifestyle men’s sportswear and women’s lifestyle collections are distributed through major retail channels. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands,including: Perry Ellis®, An Original Penguin by Munsingwear®,Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, Farah®. Laundry by Shelli Segal® and Rafaella®. The company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR® and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel and accessories. Additional information on the company is available at www.pery.com
CONTACT:
Nicklaus Companies
(561) 227-0300
Sammi Muir, Sammi.Muir@nicklaus.com
PRCG | Sports
(212) 683-8100
Jim Rocco, jrocco@prcg.com
