Maverick McNealy ultimately decides to turn Professional
Maverick McNealy in action for Stanford
(Golfweek Photo)
(August 24, 2017) - For most golfers as good as
Maverick McNealy the decision to turn professional is a no brainer. However, that was not the case for McNealy. As it was well documented over the course of the last two years, McNealy never considered turning professional a done deal.
Following his sophomore season, his father Scott called him and told him now would be a good time to turn professional. McNealy was shocked to hear his father tell him this as McNealy had always anticipated following his father's footsteps into the business world.
However, as the wins mounted, 11 in total while at Stanford, it became clear that McNealy was just to talented to pass up the opportunity. As an amateur McNealy played in three professional majors, the U.S. Open twice (2014, 2017) and the Open Championship (2016) while also making two cuts on the PGA Tour during the 2017 season, first at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (T65) and then at the John Deere Classic (T44).
“I’m nervous and excited, but I also realize it’s not a walk in the park and for a professional athlete, it’s the furthest thing from a certain outcome and future," McNealy told Golf Channel on Wednesday. "But I’m full bore ahead, trying to become the best player I can be.”
So with that said McNealy will officially leave the amateur ranks next month following his second Walker Cup appearance for Team USA. McNealy, who will make his professional debut at the Safeway Open in October, will leave the amateur game tied for the most individual wins in Stanford history with Tiger Woods and Patrick Rodgers and also as the winner of last years Ben Hogan Award and Byron Nelson Award.
“It’s been a motivating factor in my life, that I need to outwork everyone to show that the success I do earn is a product of hard work and not just that it was given to me,” McNealy continued. “There’s always been a little chip on my shoulder, but I’m not out to prove anything. I’m not trying to create my own identity or overcome anything or break down any sort of preconceived notions about me. I want to play golf and do some cool things.”
Editors Note: This article includes information and quotes from Golf Channel.com