Home/Golf

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Not too few years ago, Maverick McNealy and Danielle Kang were the talk of the golf town. A rising star on the PGA Tour dating a major winner on the LPGA Tour—not every time you see that happen. The hot duo were also very open about their relationship in 2021, both acknowledging their contribution to each other’s lives on and off the course. 

Three years later, are they still together? As Maverick McNealy slowly inches closer to perhaps the biggest moment of his career at the 2024 THE PLAYERS Championship, does he still get advice from Danielle Kang? 

Maverick McNealy found his off-the-course partner in Danielle Kang 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Maverick McNealy and Danielle Kang started dating back in 2019. At that time, Kang was the world No. 5, and McNealy was a rookie PGA Tour Pro trying to make his way through the top ranks. Before turning pro, the Stanford alum was the No. 1 amateur golfer for some time. 

McNealy met Kang at the Summit Club in Nevada City, Golf Monthly reported. In fact, per some reports, the PGA Tour Pro was living with his girlfriend in his Florida home. Kang told Golf Channel, “He’s a sweetheart. I have so much respect for him and vice versa.

31-year-old Kang has six victories on the LPGA Tour, with 57 top-10 finishes to her name. “I’m such a baby in professional golf compared to her,” said McNealy at that time about his LPGA star partner. Notably, the 28-year-old Pro has yet to break into the winners’ circle so far, with two runner-up finishes to his name. 

The two, however, split up away from the media attention sometime in 2021. That’s also around the time McNealy met his current partner, Maya Daniels, at a physical therapy center. They started dating around early 2023 and got engaged recently. Kang, though, has kept her private life well-guarded since the breakup. Nevertheless, there is perhaps one piece of advice from Kang that McNealy still carries in his heart. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

When Kang helped McNealy achieve a career milestone

Maverick McNealy, who shares a unique hobby with Phil Mickelson, was eying his first victory at the 2019 Houston Open. “[Danielle] wanted me to do three things [on Sunday],” said the PGA Tour Pro after his final round. Firstly, Kang told him not to check the leaderboard. McNealy admitted to avoiding doing that. Secondly, he was advised to remain fully committed to all the shots. The Stanford grad said he was committed to 95% of his shots. Lastly, always look for two positives after every shot. 

Read More: Honest Confession Finds Its Way to the WWT Championship as PGA Tour’s Very Own ‘Mr.Pilot’ Makes a Comeback After Injury

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“It was a very positive day out there for me,” McNealy said after his 7-under 65 at Houston. The PGA Tour pro has topped that with an 8-under 63 at the 2022 John Deere Classic. But it’s advice as good as any. Maverick McNealy is currently tied for T8 with five shots from the lead at the moment the report went to publication. But he doesn’t want to know that, perhaps.

Read More: What Do Phil Mickelson and PGA Tour’s Maverick McNealy Have in Common? Their Daring and Unique Hobby Explored