GolfWRX: Neal Shipley's Wedge Stampings Tell a Story of College Days and Fast Food

Wedge Stampings with a Story: Neal Shipley's Personal Touches

PGA Tour player Neal Shipley has carved out a reputation not just for his game, but for the personalized stampings on his wedges—each one carrying a slice of his college days.

The 'Big Fudge' Mistake

On his 54-degree wedge, Shipley carries the stamping "Big Fudge"—though it was supposed to read "Big Fridge." The nickname originated at Ohio State, where teammates used it to reference his larger frame at the time. When the order was relayed to Ping, a miscommunication—possibly due to poor cell service—resulted in "fudge" being stamped instead. Shipley has kept it as-is, embracing the mix-up as part of the story.

McDonald's Order, Immortalized in Steel

The 50-degree wedge carries the stamping "DONS 7," a nod to Shipley's go-to McDonald's order from his college years: the #7 meal, the two-cheeseburger combo. While he's since changed his diet and earned his PGA Tour card, the memory lives on in his wedge.

Strokeslab's Take

Beyond the numbers and data, moments like these remind us that golf is played by real people with real personalities. Shipley's stamping story is a lighthearted but genuine reflection of how players bring their identity onto the course.