Maverick McNealy shot a final-round 68 to beat three players by one stroke to win his first PGA Tour title at the RSM Classic on St. Simons Island, Ga. ’s first victory.
The 29-year-old holed a 5-foot-5 putt on the 18th hole to finish at 16-under 266, ahead of Luke Clanton (66). Colombia's Nico Echavarria (65) and Daniel Berger (67).
The win, his 134th as a pro, brings him to Maui for his first Sentry Tournament and first appearance at the Masters in April.
“Honestly, my mind went blank,” McNeely said. “It was an incredible adrenaline rush, especially on the 18th.
“This is a moment I will never forget, celebrating with my friends, family, wife and team.
“Mom and dad, they're watching at home, they're all excited. That's my first call. Maya (his wife) knows her job and if it goes well, let's call them as soon as they're 18. I The luckiest man ever.”
Berger missed a 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th hole along with Echavarria and Clanton, who both missed par putts from inside 8 feet on the final hole to create a four-way tie. .
Clanton is one step away from joining Nick Dunlap as this year's PGA Tour amateur champion. His putt into the bunker on No. 18 sailed beautifully to 7 feet and he doubled over in disbelief when he missed the par putt and had to settle for a 66.
“After that last bogey, it was definitely going to be a tough match,” Clanton said. “But I think it's proven to me that I can win, so I'll train for it.”
McNealy tees off the second tee during the final round of the RSM Classic
Henrik Norlander, ranked No. 126 at last year's FedExCup, posted a 63-68 weekend score to join Berger as two players in the top 125, while Zach Blair ( Zac Blair and Wesley Bryan both missed the cut, while Joel Damen shot a 64 to finish 124th.
JT Poston finished the day with a 7-under 63, tied with Lee Hodges (67) and Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (68). Together, he tied for fifth with a score of 14-under 268.
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Vince Whaley, who was tied for the lead with McNeely entering the final round, finished tied for eighth after shooting a 71 on Sunday.
Michael Thorbjornsen (69) and Patrick Fishburn (69) were also tied for eighth at 13-under 269.
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