These two brothers set to enjoy a Masters Sunday they never even dreamed of growing up
These two brothers set to enjoy a Masters Sunday they never even dreamed of growing up
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Scout McNealy was enjoying a peach ice cream sandwich outside the Scorers Building on Saturday afternoon while his oldest brother Maverick filled out his card.
One might look at the McNealy brothers and think this Masters experience is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
'To be honest, this never even crossed my mind, playing the Masters,' said Maverick after a third-round 71. 'We were hockey players growing up.'
Scout, a former collegiate golfer at Baylor, was flipping houses in northern Nevada when Maverick asked if he'd caddie in the fall. Their first tournament together was the Wyndham Championship, where Tropical Storm Debby wreaked havoc on the schedule. They played 72 holes in 2 ½ days before heading to Memphis, where the temperatures soared over 100.
'I promised him it gets better,' said Maverick.
Boy did it ever.
The pair ended the season with Maverick's first PGA Tour victory at the RSM Classic, securing his an invitation to the Masters.
'I tell people it's like playing Golden Tee,' joked Scout. 'I just point and the ball somehow ends up there.'
The first time the McNealy brothers played Augusta was back in 2017. All four brothers played with their father, Scott, and two members. The McNealy boys – Maverick, Dakota, Colt and Scout – are named after American cars because their grandfather worked in the Detroit auto industry. Scott co-founded the tech company Sun Microsystems.
Colt played the round of his life that day, carding a 73 from the tournament tees.
'That was pretty studly,' said Maverick, who won 11 times at Stanford.
Scout didn't have his best that day, but he did birdie Nos. 12 and 16.
'That was just a bucket list item,' said Maverick of the family round, 'never really had it in mind that we'd be back and definitely not really in the Masters.'
On Monday of Houston week, Maverick and Scout returned to Augusta National for the first time in eight years to play with AT&T CEO John Stankey. The most memorable shot of the day came when Scout hit driver off the deck on the 15th and flew the green.
Maverick McNealy made his first made cut in a major this week
This weekend at the Masters marks only the third time Maverick has made the cut in a major. His ball-striking has improved of late and he's feeling good on the greens. Maverick lauded Scout's green-reading skills and ability to keep him level inside the ropes.
'I just try to keep it fun,' said Scout, 'making it feel like a game when sometimes it's hard to.'
Team Mav donned matching black hats outside the ropes this week to show their support. The Par 3 Contest, with wife Maya by his side, was especially memorable. Maverick said he's never had more fun on the course than working alongside his youngest brother.
'For me, I'm really grateful that he's taking the time and putting everything else in his life on hold for probably the most valuable couple of years in my career,' said Maverick. 'There's a lot changing in the world of golf right now, and I'd like to think I'm coming up on my prime, and it's a great time to play good.'
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