Maverick McNealy

Licensed pilot Maverick McNealy achieved his first PGA Tour victory at November’s RSM Classic – his 134th start on the circuit.

That came more than 10 years after he qualified for the US Open aged 18, but with four top 10 finishes since then, including a runner-up spot behind Ludvig Aberg at February’s Genesis Invitational, he claimed a place in the world’s top 10 and come the end of May the leading 50 all qualified for Royal Portrush.

Last year made his first appearance in the Championship since 2017 where he competed as the leading player on the amateur world rankings, thus earning himself the 2016 Mark McCormack Award.

He represented America in the 2015 and 2017 Walker Cups – Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Bryson DeChambeau were among his teammates - and while at college was named Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons.

McNealy's father Scott was co-founder of Sun Microsystems.