Maverick McNealy is co-leading the PGA major championship, and even he is surprised. After the round, he told his brother and caddie, Scout McNealy, that he did not expect to be playing this well.

McNealy shot a three-under 67 Friday at Aronimink to share the 36-hole lead with Alex Smalley. Both sit at four under, 136 total. It is McNealy's 14th career major start and the first time he has ever been inside the top 25 after 36 holes.

"I honestly wouldn't say they're that high," said the 30-year-old when asked about his confidence. "I didn't feel like I played that great; somehow got a lot out of my game, and this is obviously new territory for me. But I am confident that it's going to go into the experience bank, and good or bad, I'm going to learn a lot from it."

The biggest moment of the round for Maverick McNealy came on the par-5 16th hole. He missed the green and landed in a bunker, but then made an amazing 54-foot shot for eagle.

That made him the first player to reach six under par this week. Later, bogeys on the sixth and eighth holes dropped him back into a tie with Alex Smalley. Even so, he will still play in the final group on Saturday.

Through 36 holes, McNealy ranked second in Tee-to-Green, fifth in Approach the Green, and seventh in Around the Green. He pointed to one club as his focus heading into the weekend.

McNealy finished the round at four under par and will play in the final group on Saturday.

Maverick McNealy's Path to the PGA Championship Performance Included an Injury

Maverick McNealy injured the ligament between his collarbone and chest during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February 2023. After a long wait on the seventh tee, he made an awkward swing that caused an injury and led to months of pain.

During his recovery, he worked with swing coach Scott Hamilton and completely changed his swing.

Since spring 2024, Maverick McNealy has been hitting the ball better and more consistently. He won the RSM Classic in 2024 and came close to earning a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team last season. Playing alongside Padraig Harrington on Friday gave him something else to take away from the round.

"It's kind of been a frustrating year in some ways for me on the golf course," McNealy said.

"Seeing a guy that has such a great attitude and really loves the game that was a great example for me out there today from an attitude standpoint."

He went straight to the practice range after his media obligations on Friday.

So, while McNealy is aiming to "learn" from this experience, do you think he will also be able to take the trophy home?

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Souvik Roy