Biltmore Championship: Shipley leads as Tosti's caddie quits mid-round

The inaugural Biltmore Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, has seen dramatic leaderboard shifts and an unusual mid-round incident. Neal Shipley took a one-shot lead after shooting a career-low 62, placing him at 15-under par. He narrowly leads Ben Kohles, who carded a 63, and Jackson Koivun, who moved into contention with a bogey-free 63.

In a highly unusual event during the opening round, Argentine golfer Alejandro Tosti was left without a caddie when Cliff Ellis abruptly walked off the course at the 18th hole. Ellis reportedly dropped Tosti’s bag and removed his caddie bib before departing. Tosti, who has a history of volatile interactions with staff, joked that Ellis ‘couldn’t keep up with eight pars in a row.’ Tosti completed his round with a 72.

The tournament, which serves as part of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Fall series, also saw schedule adjustments due to thunderstorm warnings in western North Carolina, forcing earlier tee times for the third round.