Maverick McNealy has been well known for a considerable time in the United States by virtue of his amateur exploits and family background, and the Open now affords the British public a glimpse of a rising star.
For McNealy, there is the fascination of seeking evidence that a sporting career makes sense. “I can’t wait,” he says. “I’ve been looking forward to this from the moment I knew I was in. I absolutely love playing links golf, so to play it on the biggest stage in the world will be incredible.”
McNealy’s Stanford University tally of 11 victories matches that of Tiger Woods. He has also excelled academically and is one of the most charming individuals you are ever likely to encounter. Having finished college a matter of weeks ago, he is the No2 ranked amateur in the world. Yet every discussion of McNealy comes with a wider explanation; namely the fact his father, Scott, is a Silicon Valley billionaire.
“One of the great things about golf is that the ball doesn’t care who you are,” the 21-year-old says. “My dad always said it was like the opposite of a meritocracy; you have to take ownership of the good shots and the same for the bad shots.
“It is a great way for me to work really hard at something and there is so much you can learn from golf. When you have a 5ft putt you have to make it; it doesn’t matter who you are. The greatest thing my dad has given me and my three younger brothers, who are all great players, is the love of golf.”
It has been unclear whether this prodigious golfing talent will be showcased on the biggest stage. McNealy has wrestled with the dilemma over whether to turn professional or follow his father’s footsteps into the world of commerce. “I am preparing as if I am going to turn pro after the Walker Cup in September,” McNealy said. “I haven’t pulled the trigger on anything yet but that is the way I am thinking.
“I am very lucky, having gone to Stanford, to have two great options. I’ve played golf at a great level and had a great education. I loved what I did in school, I loved that work. There are a lot of ways in which you can give back, whether that is in golf or business. I have just been figuring out the best way to do that. I have explored some of the opportunities I would have in the business world and this summer is a great way for me to explore golf opportunities. The Open is a big part of that.
“One of the most rewarding things in life is getting better at something. For me, if my golf game ever got to the point where it wasn’t getting any better it would lose a lot of its appeal. Right now I feel like I have a lot of room to get better and possibly having a professional career would help me take my game to the next level.
“If I choose professional golf I would choose that indefinitely. Whatever decision I make, I won’t look back and wish I had made the other one. There is no wrong decision as long as I am 100% committed.”
