Inside Maverick McNealy's life - son of billionaire, wife's role in golf success

Maverick McNealy is currently taking part in this week's PGA Championship.

Despite being the heir to a multi-billion-dollar fortune, the 29-year-old PGA Tour star continues to chase his passion for golf, with the unwavering support of his wife. McNealy, who clinched his first competition win at the RSM Classic in Georgia in November 2024, is the son of Scott. His father co-founded Sun Microsystems and sold it for an eye-popping $7.4 billion in 2010.

Growing up in luxury, McNealy and his three brothers were treated to a lavish five-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion, courtesy of their family's wealth.

• Hendrick Motorsports feelings clear on Chase Elliott incident as changes demanded
• Chase Elliott 'surprised' as NASCAR decision goes in his favor

Yet McNealy chose to follow his heart and pursue golf rather than a business career, a path that could have potentially made him millions or even billions, with his father's backing. In 2017, he met his wife, Maya, who has been a constant pillar of support throughout his golfing journey.

Their paths crossed when McNealy visited the physical therapy clinic where Maya worked in Las Vegas. Six years later, they exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by his brother, Scout.

McNealy, who also holds a pilot's license, praises his wife for her sacrifices, as she frequently travels to attend his tournaments. When he won the RSM Classic last year, Maya "knew her job" and promptly called McNealy's parents to share the joy of his career milestone.

"Maya knew her job, if it went well today, to get them on the phone as soon as possible walking off 18. I'm the luckiest guy ever," McNealy expressed with gratitude. Maya played a pivotal role in easing McNealy's worries about his PGA Tour victories prior to his triumph at the RSM Classic.

"Maya was chatting with me when I was maybe a little bit - being a little bit dramatic but a little bit frustrated," he said. "She said, 'Well, if you knew you were going to win like in six weeks, would you do anything different?'

"I said, 'Well, probably not.' So six weeks I did get my win. No, I wouldn't have done anything different."

Maya has fully embraced the golfing world, even taking part in competitions herself. She joined her husband in the annual Par 3 contest at the 2025 Masters. Maya also shed light on how McNealy unwinds away from the golf course. Aside from golf, McNealy has a keen interest in aviation.

"Watching airplane videos any time he doesn't have a golf club in his hand," she revealed to the PGA Tour in 2023. "I don't know how he has the time or the mental patience to get better at both things consistently... but he's one of the most determined people I know."

McNealy added: "I told her, 'By the way, I'm going to start getting my pilot's license,' and she looked at me like I had three heads."