Maverick McNealy with his brother Scout. (Image: Getty Images)
Maverick McNealy shared an extraordinary experience with his brother, Scout, at last year’s Masters. Through his father, billionaire Scott, 29-year-old Maverick is the second-wealthiest golfer on the planet, surpassed only by Tiger Woods. He has already begun carving out his own legacy, having claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory at the RSM Classic in November 2024 and earned an invitation to the 2025 Masters.
Maverick admitted that reaching the Masters felt so far-fetched that he never imagined it would become a reality – let alone alongside Scout, who took on the role of his caddie for the major. “To be honest, this never even crossed my mind, playing the Masters,” Maverick said. “We were hockey players growing up.”
Maverick and Scout first set foot on Augusta back in 2017 during a family trip with their two other brothers, Dakota and Colt, and Scott. “That was just a bucket list item,” Maverick said.
“Never really had it in mind that we’d be back and definitely not really in the Masters.”
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In the autumn of 2024, Maverick asked Scout whether he would be prepared to caddie for him. At the time, the former Baylor collegiate golfer was renovating and selling properties in Nevada.
“For me, I’m really grateful that he’s taking the time and putting everything else in his life on hold for probably the most valuable couple of years in my career,” Maverick said. “There’s a lot changing in the world of golf right now, and I’d like to think I’m coming up on my prime, and it’s a great time to play good.”
Last year’s Masters represented only the third occasion on which Maverick successfully made the cut in a major. The Portola Valley, California native finished T32 at one shot over par, a result he will be eager to improve upon this year at Augusta.
Maverick McNealy with his brother Scout at the Masters. (Image: Getty Images)
While Maverick is still chasing his first victory of the season, the 30-year-old believes he is on the verge of breaking through in a significant way. “Honestly, this year it’s been two or three awesome rounds and one kind of stinker that’s held me down,” he explained.
“I think I’ve been inside the top-10 at one point every tournament except for one. So the top-end game is there, I just really need to turn that 73 into a 70 to give myself a chance. And working on the ball striking still, making a few more swing changes. Just kind of working slowly over the last couple years towards where I want it to be.”
Maverick is set to sharpen his game at the Valero Texas Open, a warm-up event in which he claimed a tied third-place finish last year. “Definitely prepping for next week through this week,” he said.
“And looking at that three-week break, I just did 7-on-9 to start the year. Really needed two weeks off, but I didn’t want to go three weeks before a major without playing. And this golf course suits me really well, I really enjoy it.
“Every hole feels like there’s not quite enough room. You kind of have to squeeze on out there, which is good for my game.”
This article first appeared on Mirror US.