[Winners Club] McNeely "I Successfully Predicted Gong's Substitution"

First Career Win at Final RSM Classic
Son of Sun Microsystems Founder Gains Fame
Successful 1.6m Birdie Putt on FR 18th Hole Secures Victory
‘Upswing’ After Switching to Titleist Pro V1x

Maverick McNealy (USA) made a splash with a Titleist ball.

Maverick McNealy is smiling brightly while holding the trophy right after winning the RSM Classic. Saint Simons Island, USA=AFP·Yonhap News

On the 24th (local time), at the Sea Island Golf Club Seaside Course (par 70, 7,005 yards) in St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA, McNealy clinched victory (16 under par 266) at the final PGA Tour event of the year, the RSM Classic (total prize money $7.6 million). The winner's prize was $1,368,000 (approximately *won). Having played on the PGA Tour since 2019, McNealy celebrated his first career win in his 134th professional start. Including tournaments he entered as an amateur, this was his 142nd appearance.

The highlight was a birdie on the final 18th hole (par 4) on the last day. From 183 yards, he hit his second shot to within 1.6 meters and sank the birdie putt, securing a thrilling one-stroke victory. The joy was even greater as this first win was achieved together with his younger brother, who has been his caddie since August. In a post-win interview, McNealy said, "Honestly, my mind felt blank. I released unbelievable adrenaline on the 18th hole. It was a moment I will never forget."

McNealy is well known as the son of Scott McNealy, the billionaire founder of the American IT company Sun Microsystems. He was once widely known as part of a "field couple" with Danielle Kang (USA) on the LPGA Tour. He has earned the opportunity to compete in the season-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Masters next January, events reserved for tournament winners. Last month, at the Shriners Children's Open, McNealy used the 2025 model Titleist Pro V1x. Using the new ball in this tournament, he showcased an impressive "stingy putting" performance with a putts per green in regulation of 1.70.

〈Clubs used during RSM Classic victory〉

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (10.5 degrees)

Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (16.5 degrees, 21 degrees)

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB (#4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46, 50, 54), Vokey Design WedgeWorks (58 degrees)

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design Prototype

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x *Source=PGA Tour