Finishing with a final-round 68, Maverick McNealy earned his first victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday, edging a trio of players by one shot at the RSM Classic in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Maverick McNealy is a winner @TheRSMClassic! 🏆
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 24, 2024
This is the first career title for McNealy. pic.twitter.com/7jgnqNzbq2
Playing at Sea Island's Seaside Course, the 29-year-old sank a 5-foot, 5-inch putt on the par-4 18th hole to finish at 16-under 266, just ahead of Luke Clanton (66 on Sunday), Nico Echavarria of Spain (65) and Daniel Berger (67).
A birdie to win on the 72nd hole!
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 24, 2024
Maverick McNealy is a first-time PGA TOUR winner 🏆 pic.twitter.com/z4eh8utuIR
Berger had a shot to force a playoff with McNealy, but he missed his birdie putt after his approach landed within 20 feet of the hole.
Despite the loss, Berger finished inside the top 125 of the FedExCup Fall standings to secure his full tour status for 2025.
Clanton's T2 finish earned him another point in the PGA Tour University Accelerated programme.
With 17, he needs three more points to secure a PGA Tour card.
JT Poston posted the round of the day with a 7-under 63, joining Lee Hodges (67) and Canada's Mackenzie Hughes (68) in a tie for fifth at 14-under 268.
Vince Whaley, who shared the lead with McNealy entering the final round, finished T8 after shooting 71 on Sunday.
Michael Thorbjornsen (69) and Patrick Fishburn (69) also tied for eighth at 13-under 269.