Shipley holds onto 1-shot lead over Kohles the Biltmore Championship Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Neal Shipley maintained a one-stroke advantage over Ben Kohles on Saturday at the inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville. Shipley secured his lead with an eagle and a birdie on the final two par 5s of the back nine, as he continued his third straight round without a bogey. Kohles matched Shipley with a 65, birdieing the last four holes.

Kohles, aiming for his first PGA Tour title, expressed satisfaction with his performance. Shipley, a PGA Tour rookie, entered the tournament 183rd in the FedEx Cup standings. A victory would grant him a two-year exemption and a spot in the lucrative Championship Series in 2028. Kohles and Shipley's playing partners, Eric Cole and Ricky Castillo, were tied for third at 17 under, while Jacob Bridgeman and Max Greyserman were at 16 under.