Maverick McNealy Eyes Green Jacket at 2025 Masters Tournament

AUGUSTA, Ga. — As anticipation builds for the 2025 Masters Tournament, golf fans eagerly await the competition at Augusta National from April 10 to April 13. With 96 players confirmed and one spot up for grabs for the winner of the Valero Texas Open, excitement is at an all-time high.

Among those poised to compete is Maverick McNealy, who has dramatically improved his standing since last year. In 2024, he ranked 102nd in the world while Scottie Scheffler took home the coveted title. Now, McNealy sits at 16th, having secured his Masters spot with a first-place finish at the RSM Classic.

“The Masters last year was a tough one for me to watch because I wanted so badly to be there,” McNealy told Yahoo Sports. “It’s always one of my favorite tournaments, and it really bugged me that I didn’t have a tee time.”

McNealy’s rise has been strategic; his team aimed to break into the top 60 to qualify for prestigious tournaments like the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational, ultimately targeting the top 50 for a Masters invite. With limited time left in the season, he needed a strong finish at the RSM Classic to meet these goals.

“We had one out of the three locked up going to Sea Island,” he explained. “It was really just a Hail Mary pass to try and get the last two locked up.”

His victory at the RSM Classic not only gave him the necessary ranking but also opened the door to Augusta. “I’m really excited to just experience one of the cathedrals of golf and see what the Masters is all about,” he shared.

To prepare for the unique challenges of Augusta National, McNealy has been immersing himself in old tournament videos while honing his skills. Last Monday, March 31, marked his first practice round at Augusta.

“I’m excited to broaden my field of view for some of the short game shots around the greens,” he stated. Confident in his putting ability, McNealy added, “I’ve had some success on fast, sloping greens with lots of break.” He plans to focus on swing mechanics early on before shifting to putting and green reading as the tournament draws near.

In addition to the Masters, McNealy is competing in this week’s Valero Texas Open, where he started strong with a 4-under-par score in the first round, tying for sixth place, just five strokes behind leader Sam Ryder. “There’s nothing better than playing in PGA Tour conditions on a PGA Tour setup to prepare for a major championship,” he noted, highlighting the value of competitive play.

The Masters field is shaping up to be highly competitive, with defending champion Scottie Scheffler aiming for another title. Scheffler, who won the 2024 Masters by four strokes over Ludvig Åberg, is favored to reclaim the green jacket. He will tee off with U.S. Amateur champion Jose Luis Ballester in the first round, continuing the tradition of pairing past champions with newcomers.

Rory McIlroy also stands out as he seeks to complete the career Grand Slam. After winning The Players Championship and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year, McIlroy is riding a wave of momentum. Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson commented on McIlroy’s experience, stating, “His ability to compartmentalize all the things that have transpired in the past is a strength of his.”

As the Masters approaches, excitement extends beyond players to fans. IBM has announced enhancements to the Masters app and Masters.com, including AI-driven insights and immersive 3D visuals of Augusta National. These features aim to enrich the viewing experience and celebrate the tournament’s legacy.

With the first round just days away, fans are left wondering who will wear the green jacket this year. As the players finalize their preparations, the stage is set for a thrilling week of golf at Augusta National, where the Masters is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the sport.

McNealy, reflecting on his journey, is already envisioning the moment he drives up Magnolia Drive as a participant. “My wife and I are on a Morgan Wallen kick right now,” he quipped, hinting at the song that might accompany him on that memorable trip. With the stakes high, the 2025 Masters is poised to become a significant chapter in golf history.