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Pebble Beach occupies a special place in Maverick McNealy’s heart.
For his 16th birthday, McNealy played the legendary track for the very first time. He grew up playing The Hay short course on the same property with his brothers, going around and around as any young kid would.
Since turning professional, McNealy has found success revisiting the Monterey Peninsula for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He’s finished inside the top five on two occasions, one garnering a silver medal behind Daniel Berger in 2021.
“This is one of, if not my favorite, event every year on Tour. I love the golf courses. I’d say any day with short sleeves at Pebble Beach is going to be a bucket list day,” he said Tuesday during a pre-tournament sit down with the media.
McNealy returns to his happy place with his game very much intact.
Since missing the weekend at the season-opening Fortinet Championship, the 27-year-old has collected five top-20 finishes in seven official starts including three top 10s.
“I feel like I’ve been doing everything just a little bit better this year. Putting has been a really bright spot for me, really consistent week in, week out,” he said.
“Just tweaking little things here and there. I don’t think there is any magic push to get over the hump and the hurdle, but just trying to find little bits and pieces that I can improve on here and there.”
McNealy’s finished runner-up twice in California during his Tour career. Why does he love pegging it in his home state so much? Two things: Poa annua grass and …
Grandma’s home cooking.
“I could start with the home cooking. I’m staying with my grandparents this week, so grandma’s home cooking,” he said.
With family in town, a meaningful venue, and the lack of a Tour win on his resume, is the Stanford grad putting too much pressure on himself this week?
“I think very, very much in the present,” McNealy said. “The past and the future are all things you just make up in your mind, and really the only thing that matters is right now.
“To be honest, I’m just focused on a few things right now. I’m focused on making sure my putting speed is good, making sure that I see lines on these greens, making sure that I do my golf swing maintenance, making sure that my body is in good shape and I am ready to go, and most importantly making sure I’m rested.”
The flat stick has been a big part of McNealy’s success so far this season. He ranks second in SG: Putting and should be able to keep the momentum moving in the right direction on his favorite surface.
Amid all the potential distractions, he’s looking forward to getting started on Thursday.
“I feel like I have a great chance to play great this week. Doesn’t put more pressure or expectations on me,” he said. “I am just focused on what I’m doing right now, and hopefully, it all turns out.”
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