Stanford grad Maverick McNealy officially became a professional golfer on Monday. He ended his amateur career Sunday at the U.S. Walker Cup with one of the most spectacular performances yet.
McNealy, Doug Ghim and Collin Morikawa each went 4-0 during the United States’ 19-6 victory over Great Britain and Ireland at the Los Angeles Country Club. It was the first time in the 46-year history of the event that three players finished undefeated.
That helped the U.S. match the second-largest margin of victory in the series.
“It’s been unbelievable. I’ll never forget this week,” McNealy told the USGA website. “It’s the end of my amateur career, but it means so much more than that to me, it’s been incredible.”
McNealy, the lone returner from the 2015 event in which USA lost, took the lessons he learned from his previous experience and put them to good use.
Teammates were there for each other instead of wandering down the fairway after a shot. There was a genuine feeling of togetherness as all 10 players focused all week on a common goal: win back the trophy.
“I think it starts with the U.S. team getting that big trophy and that was our goal at the beginning of the week and I’m so excited to be part of the 2017 winning Walker Cup team,” McNealy said. “That’s what’s most important to me. I’m so glad we could win this for our team, win this for Captain (John) Miller, and win this for the country.”
McNealy was partnered with Ghim for Sunday’s foursome (alternate shot) session. They beat Matthew Jordan and Robert MacIntyre, 3 and 2.
“I’m quickly learning the key and strategy to alternate shot is to have a good partner,” McNealy said. “We play similar games and we did our homework during the practice rounds. We’re putting each other in spots we’re comfortable with.”
McNealy handled Alfie Plant, 4 and 2, in singles play while Ghim beat Jordan, 3 and 1. The Americans were 8-1-1 in singles matches on the final day.
The lone Great Britain and Ireland singles victor Sunday was Stanford grad David Boote, who beat Doc Redman, 1 up.
On Saturday, Ghim beat Boote, 2 and 1, while McNealy topped Scott Gregory, 3 and 1. McNealy and Ghim also Boote and Jack Davidson in Saturday’s foursomes.
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
Congratulations to the entire US Walker Cup team! Looking forward to seeing McNealy on the biggest stage (PGA Tour) in the coming months and years.