In a remarkable blend of his passions for golf and aviation, world No. 26 Maverick McNealy made a distinctive entrance to the 2025 Genesis Invitational by piloting his own aircraft to Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. The tournament, originally slated for The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, was relocated due to devastating wildfires in the area.
McNealy’s passion for flying and golf
McNealy, a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, earned his pilot’s license in 2023 and has since utilized his flying skills to navigate the rigorous PGA Tour schedule. Reflecting on his dual interests, he shared, “The reason I love flying is the reason why I love golf. It’s because you’re always learning and there’s always room for improvement. And it’s one of those things where the more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know.”
Flying himself to tournaments is more than just a convenience for McNealy—it’s a symbol of his dedication to self-improvement. Golf and aviation require precision, focus, and constant learning, making his passion for both pursuits fitting. His ability to control his own travel schedule helps him bypass the typical hassles of commercial flights and long airport delays, ensuring he arrives at tournaments refreshed and ready to compete.
This season, McNealy has demonstrated consistent performance, making the cut in all five events he’s participated in and securing two top-10 finishes, including a notable top-six placement at the WM Phoenix Open. His maiden PGA Tour victory came last season at The RSM Classic, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. Now ranked No. 25 in the FedExCup Standings, he is proving himself as a consistent contender on the tour.
For the initial rounds of the Genesis Invitational, McNealy is grouped with Harris English and Nick Taylor. As of Thursday, his odds to clinch the tournament title stand at +6000, reflecting both the competitive field and his potential to make a strong impact. Given his strong start to the season, he could be a dark horse to watch at Torrey Pines.
The relocation of the Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines underscores the PGA Tour’s adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges. The decision to move the event from its traditional venue at Riviera Country Club was made out of respect for those affected by the wildfires and to support recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Torrey Pines, a historic venue known for hosting major championships, provides a fitting stage for an elite field of players to showcase their talent.
McNealy’s choice to fly himself to the tournament not only highlights his dedication to the sport but also showcases the diverse interests and talents of modern professional golfers. As the Genesis Invitational unfolds, all eyes will be on Torrey Pines to see how McNealy and his peers navigate the challenges of this iconic course. Whether he secures a victory or not, his arrival by air has already made a statement about his commitment and unique approach to the game.