Maverick McNealy is on the brink of experiencing a dream come true as he prepares for his first Masters Tournament at Augusta National. A year ago, he was ranked 102nd in the world and had not secured a victory on the PGA Tour. Watching Scottie Scheffler don the iconic green jacket was a moment filled with inspiration for McNealy, prompting him to set a personal goal: to qualify for the prestigious Masters in 2023.
“It was really tough to watch the Masters last year because I wanted so much to be a part of it,” McNealy shared in a recent interview. “It’s one of my favorite tournaments to watch, and not having a tee time there stung.”
Determined to turn his aspirations into reality, McNealy devised a strategic plan with his team at the start of the fall season. The goals included finishing in the top 60 to qualify for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational, breaking into the top 50 to earn a spot at the Masters, and winning an event to qualify for the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua.
His fall season was decent, but as the final event loomed, his chances to meet these goals began to fade. “Going into Sea Island for the RSM Classic, we had secured only one of our goals,” McNealy explained. “It felt like a long shot to achieve the other two.”
However, McNealy rose to the challenge and won the RSM Classic, finishing in the coveted first place. This victory propelled him to 31st in the rankings and earned him an invitation to the Masters—a dream he had longed for.
“I’m incredibly excited to step onto one of golf’s most revered courses and experience the Masters firsthand,” said McNealy, who now ranks 16th in the world. “I’ve watched it on TV, but I know being there live will be an entirely different thrill. I can’t wait to see how I can navigate the course.”
Since receiving his invitation, McNealy has been diligently preparing. He has been watching videos and fine-tuning his shot selection to get ready for Augusta. “While I know that the game has changed over the years and some previous major tournaments may not be directly relevant to my current situation, the fundamentals of Augusta National and its layout have remained constant,” he stated.
Players are often given the opportunity to scout the course in advance, and McNealy took full advantage of this, practicing there for the first time last Monday. “I’m looking forward to enhancing my approach around the greens,” he remarked. “Understanding the short game at Augusta can be crucial, and I want to be ready for those intricate shots.”
This particular skill set might work to his advantage, especially when it comes to putting on fast greens with many breaks. “I feel confident about my speed control on these types of greens,” he noted. “That can really help me stand out in the competition.”
As the week of the Masters approaches, McNealy plans to concentrate on refining his swing and developing his green-reading skills. He intends to play nine holes each day, selectively choosing which part of the course he will revisit, all while managing his energy levels throughout the week.
“I don’t want to overdo it early in the week, tempting as it may be to play 18 holes every day,” he explained. “This may not be my one and only opportunity, and I want to ensure I’m ready for every chance I get at this tournament.”
In addition, McNealy looks forward to participating in the traditional Par-3 contest, with his wife, Maya, joining him as his caddy. He acknowledges the excitement of the week and knows that keeping his energy in check will be essential for Saturday and Sunday’s rounds.
“While it’s easy to get swept up in all the excitement, I want to make sure I enjoy every moment. It’s going to be a thrilling week,” he added with anticipation.
Before heading to Augusta, McNealy will first compete in the Valero Texas Open, believing that maintaining his competitive edge will serve him best. “There’s nothing quite like playing in PGA Tour conditions to prepare for a major,” he stated.
His consistent tournament play has historically led to some of his best results. He recalls that his RSM Classic win came during a six-week stretch of heavy competition, demonstrating the benefits of staying active in the game.
As McNealy looks ahead to Augusta, he can’t help but feel exhilarated. Before he sets foot on the revered Magnolia Drive, he ponders a lighthearted decision: “I think my wife and I are currently into Morgan Wallen’s music, so it’ll probably be one of his songs playing as we approach. I can’t wait!”
With this mix of preparation, excitement, and gratitude, McNealy is all set to embrace the Masters experience, aiming not just to compete, but to savor the journey that this prestigious tournament offers.
