[3] Shippen's best finishes came at the 1896 U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, and the 1902 U.S. Open held at Garden City Golf Club in Garden City, New York, where he tied for fifth place at both.

John Jr. worked as a caddie at the course and was taught to play by the club's Scottish professional, Willie Dunn Jr.

When the professional entrants for the competition found out a racial controversy had begun, they threatened to boycott the event,[2] but they backed down after USGA president Theodore Havemeyer stated that the tournament would proceed even if only Shippen and Dunn took part.

He was tied for second place after the first of the two rounds, and remained in contention until he drove his ball onto a sandy road at the 13th hole and scored an eleven.

[10] The John Shippen Museum is located in the clubhouse of the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club in Scotch Plains.

[11] The John Shippen National Invitational Golf Tournament for Black Golfers was established by Intersport in 2021.