Maverick McNealy Breaks Through with First PGA Tour Win at RSM Classic
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — It took five years, 134 starts, and a whole lot of grit, but Maverick McNealy finally got his moment in the spotlight. On a dramatic Sunday at the RSM Classic, McNealy delivered a clutch birdie on the 18th hole at Sea Island, sealing a one-shot victory with a 2-under 68. The win not only marked his first PGA Tour title but also punched his ticket to some of golf’s most prestigious events, including The Sentry in Maui and, for the first time in his career, the Masters in April.
“A moment I’ll never forget,” McNealy said, reflecting on the breakthrough victory that capped off his fifth year on the PGA Tour. And what a moment it was—his 6-iron approach shot on the final hole landed just 5 feet from the pin, setting up the decisive birdie putt. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with tension, as McNealy had gone nine straight holes without a birdie while others in the field surged to create a four-way tie for the lead.
High Stakes and Heartbreak on the 18th
McNealy wasn’t the only one feeling the pressure on the final hole. Daniel Berger had a chance to force a playoff but missed a 20-foot birdie attempt. He finished tied for second alongside Nico Echavarria and Florida State sophomore Luke Clanton. Both Echavarria and Clanton faltered on the 18th, missing par putts from inside 8 feet that could have kept them in contention.
For Berger, there was at least a silver lining. His strong finish moved him inside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings, securing his full PGA Tour card for 2025—a crucial achievement as the Tour transitions to smaller fields and tighter qualification criteria. Berger wasn’t alone in this accomplishment; Henrik Norlander, who was ranked No. 126 last year, also played his way into the top 125 with a stellar weekend performance of 63-68.
Joel Dahmen’s Gritty Survival
Meanwhile, Joel Dahmen faced a different kind of pressure. Entering the tournament at No. 124 in the standings, Dahmen needed to hold his ground to retain his card. He barely made the cut after sinking a nerve-wracking 5-foot par putt, but his final-round 64 was a masterclass in resilience. Highlights included holing a 113-yard sand wedge for eagle, which helped him finish with just enough points to stay at No. 124.
“Two of the biggest pressure moments of my career showed up, and I can take that going forward,” Dahmen said, clearly relieved to have survived the cutthroat competition.
Luke Clanton: A Star in the Making
One of the most intriguing storylines of the tournament was the performance of Luke Clanton, a Florida State sophomore who has quickly established himself as a rising star. Clanton, the top-ranked amateur in the world, came agonizingly close to becoming the second amateur winner on the PGA Tour this year, following Nick Dunlap. With two runner-up finishes and four top-10s in just seven starts over the past five months, Clanton has proven he belongs on the big stage.
Clanton’s final round included clutch birdies on the 14th and 16th holes, but a bogey on the 18th—after his approach shot found a bunker—left him one shot short. “It’s going to be a tough one to definitely take, for sure, after bogeying the last,” Clanton admitted. “But I think it’s proven to me that out here I can win, so I’ll be training for that.”
Other Notable Performances
- Michael Thorbjornsen was on track to crack the top 125 until a costly bogey on the par-5 15th hole derailed his chances. He finished tied for eighth and ended the season at No. 129.
- Echavarria, who recently won in Japan, had a bogey-free round until the 18th, where a long approach and a missed par putt cost him a share of the lead.
McNealy’s Long-Awaited Triumph
For McNealy, the victory was about more than just the trophy. The son of Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy, Maverick has been making waves off the course by advocating for changes to the FedEx Cup points system. But until now, a win had eluded him. Sunday’s triumph not only validated his hard work but also opened doors to three $20 million events early next year, along with his first trip to Augusta National.
McNealy’s journey to the winner’s circle wasn’t without its challenges. After building a two-shot lead on the front nine, he faced a series of tough moments on the back nine, including a bogey on the 14th that briefly knocked him out of the lead. But his clutch 6-iron on the 18th proved he has what it takes to close out a tournament under pressure.
With his first PGA Tour win now in the books, McNealy is poised for an exciting 2025 season. And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, this could be just the beginning for the 28-year-old rising star.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
