Maverick McNealy collected a first PGA TOUR title of his career thanks to a narrow one-shot victory in a tightly-contested RSM Classic.
The 29-year-old entered the final day at the Sea Island Golf Club sharing the lead with compatriot Vince Whaley and remained in the mix right through towards the par-4 18th finding himself in a four-way tie alongside fellow countrymen Luke Clayton and Daniel Berger, and Colombia’s Nico Echavarria.
But the Californian native edged out his rivals with a 5ft birdie putt, after witnessing Berger miss the chance for victory with a birdie attempt of his own, to conclude the tournament with a 2-under 68 and end with a 16 under total.
This victory comes in McNealy’s 134th start as a professional and also came in a week that marked his 100th cut on the PGA TOUR. As a result of this win, McNealy has secured a place at the 2025 season-opening tournament, The Sentry, and secured himself a place at The Masters in which he will make his debut appearance.
“My mind’s gone blank honestly,” McNealy said. “It was an unbelievable adrenaline rush there, especially on 18.
“It was a moment I will never forget, getting to celebrate with my friends, my family, my wife, my team.
“Mom and dad, they’re watching at home, they’re all excited. They were my first phone call. Maya (his wife) knew her job, if it went well, to get them on the phone as soon as possible walking off 18. I’m the luckiest guy ever.”
American pair J.T. Poston and Lee Hughes finished in a three-way tie for fifth on 14 under which also included Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the Hero World Challenge taking pace between 5-8 December at Albany’s championship course in the Bahamas.