Maverick McNealy sank a birdie putt from just inside six feet on the 18th hole to win the RSM Classic on Sunday, capturing his first PGA Tour title.
The 29-year-old American fired a two-under-par 68 to finish 72 holes on 16-under 266 at Sea Island Golf Club to capture a top prize of $1.36-million.
That was enough for a one-stroke victory over compatriots Daniel Berger, who shot 67, and Luke Clanton, who closed with a 66, and Colombian Nico Echavarria, who had a final-round 65.
McNealy, who had five prior top-five finishes this season, captured his first victory in his 142nd PGA start.
He qualified for next year’s Masters as well as the PGA’s season-opening Tournament of Champions event in Hawaii in January.
Birdies at the 5th and 8th holes kept McNealy in the lead but he stumbled with a bogey at the 14th, setting up the dramatic finish.
Echavarria had six birdies in his round but missed a nine-foot par putt for a bogey at 18 that left him one adrift.
Clanton had six birdies and a bogey but missed a par putt at 18 from just outside six feet to fall just off the pace.
Berger had a bogey-free round and birdied the par-three 3rd and 6th holes as well as the 11th but missed a 20-foot birdie putt at 18 to settle for a share of second, good enough to keep his tour playing rights for next year.
Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes and Americans Lee Hodges and JT Poston shared fifth on 14-under 268.
South Africa’s Garrick Higgo carded 68 to share 53rd position on three-under 279, with countryman Christo Lamprecht’s 72 leaving him a further two shots behind in 64th.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Kevin C Cox/Getty Images
