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05/11/2026

A new hole-in-one partnership: American Airlines co-branded Citi / AAdvantage Mastercard portfolio tees up with Neal Shipley

FORT WORTH, Texas — Neal Shipley’s star power continues to rise to new heights as the charismatic golfer takes off as an ambassador for American Airlines and its Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® portfolio. A former quantitative finance student, Shipley has long blended precision and performance — making him a natural fit for American’s focus on unlocking memorable travel experiences for customers, including exclusive opportunities that bring fans closer to their favorite greens through clear blue skies.

The global golf tourism market is growing more than 9% each year, with many golfers seeking out the premium travel experiences offered by American — from its luxurious Flagship Suite® seats with privacy doors to the airline’s expansive network of premium lounges.

“Whether I’m enjoying a coffee before an early tee time or catching up on sleep in a spacious lie-flat seat, I always fly with American knowing that I’ll arrive at my destination ready to win,” said Shipley, whose 6-foot-4-inch frame and flowing mane has made him one of the most recognizable golfers on the course and across social media.

Following a historic run where he finished as the leading nonprofessional at two of the world’s most prestigious major championships, Shipley has seamlessly transitioned into the professional ranks, and he counts American as one of his first major brand partners. As part of the agreement, American and its Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® portfolio will have a visible presence throughout Shipley’s competitive season, including category exclusivity as his commercial airline partner.

“Neal is the real deal — on and off the course,” said American’s Vice President of Co-brand and Partners Chad Schweinzger. “What stood out to us wasn’t just how he plays, but how he shows up. He brings fans along in a way that feels genuine, and that kind of authentic storytelling is powerful. It’s a natural fit as we support Neal on the road and share the American story through the game of golf.”

Shipley will help American highlight coveted golf destinations and fan moments through a series of original digital stories and experiences as part of a multiyear agreement. From travel days to tournament moments, Shipley will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at life on tour — highlighting how American helps power his journey between the fairway and the runway. A Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardmember himself, he will also showcase the benefits of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, including Admirals Club® membership and the ability to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points toward status.

Priceless experiences

From some of the most prestigious championships to teeing it up at top courses across the United States and beyond, Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers have access to a host of priceless golf experiences around the world, redeemable with AAdvantage® miles*.

Thanks to American, golf-loving cardmembers may visit priceless.com/aa for more details on how they can redeem AAdvantage® miles to:

  • Attend some of the most iconic championships in professional golf
  • Tee off at spectacular golf courses, including access to a network of exclusive clubs
  • Escape on luxurious, multiday golf getaways

*Terms and conditions apply.

Be a VIP from the fairway to the runway

Not an AAdvantage® member? Joining is easy and free at aa.com/aadvantage.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

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