The Genesis Invitational was kind of a second coming for Maverick McNealy. The 29-year-old had previously won the 2024 RSM Classic, his first PGA Tour victory. But at Torrey Pines, he was nearly out of contention after Day 3, however, he clawed back in with an impressive round 4 performance, one for the ages. Sadly, he eventually lost out to Ludvig Aberg by a single stroke, due to an uncharacteristic bogey on hole 14.

But what was supposed to be a memorable performance for the right reasons, turned out to be something that is rooted in infamy. McNealy’s performance at the Torrey Pines was marred by some fans, who took to chanting, ‘Daddy’s Money!’, while he was on the course. McNealy sat with Dan Rapaport on his podcast ‘Dan On Golf’ to discuss the situation that unfolded.

Maverick McNealy, is the son of Scoot McNealy, the founder of the once famous Sun Microsystems. The company was sold to Oracle Corporation in 2009 for a whopping $7.4 billion. It is safe to say that the McNealys are well off. And The 29-year-old golfer knows that. “My parents told us growing up, that we had a lot of wonderful opportunities given to us.”

But he has never let his dad’s money define his career. However, some people do feel the need to bring it up and use it as a tool to belittle his achievements on the course. The 2024 RSM Classic winner knew something like this would happen and was even warned by his parents. “There are going to be some people that want to play that card and say that you are where you are because of the opportunities you were given and the background you were growing up,” stated McNealy.

But the PGA Tour pro did not worry about the taunts or jeers. Instead, he focused on himself and his game. “It didn’t bother me. I like to think that if you take the time to know me, that is not me.”

McNealy recently was in action at the Genesis Invitational where he had a decent first three rounds. During the fourth round, McNealy seemed to be in the zone, recording 9 birdies in 13 holes which catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard. He ended up finishing second to Ludvig Aberg, but that run was an exemplary feat. However, the chants were happening during that time, which kind of put off McNealy. “I think the thing what was a little disappointing was the fact that it was trying to detract from one of the coolest things I have done in my career, which has nothing to do with my background which was the 9-under through 13 at Torrey and out of nowhere I had a chance to win that golf tournament.”

This is not the first time that McNealy was called out for his rich kid status. He had posted a video on Instagram where he was flying a plane to his next tournament. A lot of people put out comments that indicated that the 29-year-old has this ease because of his dad’s money.

But it could be further from the truth. In fact, McNealy bought the airplane with the money he earned through golf. “I posted that video on Instagram, flying myself to my first tournament. People were like, ‘Wow must be nice to have your [dad pay for it].’ I actually paid for the airplane myself.”

In fact, during his amateur career, his parents paid for all his expenses, including travel and caddie fees, and the moment McNealy signed a deal with Callaway Golf and KPMG, he paid back his parents with the signing bonus. That is the dynamic of the McNealy family.

Maverick McNealy and his family

The golfer is very private about his family. McNealy’s wife is Maya Daniels, and they married each other in a private ceremony in 2023. His dad, Scott McNealy, other than founding Sun Microsystems, had also co-founded Cheetah Experiences and Curriki, and been an Operating Partner and Advisor at Flume Ventures. Most recently, Scott McNealy has worked as a Chairman Emeritus for LittleHorse.

His mom, Susan McNealy, is a homemaker. Maverick McNealy says that his mom abided by a simple mantra in their household: “Good grades, good attitude, good effort.” Susan ran a well-polished home and McNealy and his brothers abided by her every word.

The one-time PGA Tour winner has three brothers – Dakota, Colt and Scout. All of them are named after cars, due to their grandfather’s connection to the auto industry in Detroit. Scout and father Scott have caddied for Maverick McNealy for a few events. What a loving family!