ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Maverick McNealy settled after a rough start Saturday with a 4-under 66 and held off Vince Whaley in a wild third round at the RSM Classic where half a dozen players shared at least the lead.
McNealy looked like he might take the lead when he hit a wedge on the final hole that just rolled into the cup and landed 8 feet. He missed the putt, still in good shape to go after his first PGA Tour victory.
Whaley, also winless on tour, birdied an 18th 63 and will be playing in the final group for the first time on the PGA Tour. McNealy, who joined him at 14-under 198, also shared the 54-hole lead in 2021 at the season opener in Napa, California.
Whaley was playing with a sense of freedom not everyone has in the final PGA Tour event this year. He was playing in a medical extension and completed the necessary points in July. The next step was to finish in the top 125 in the FedEx Cup. He confirmed that last week with a tie for fifth in the Bermuda Championship.
Everything else feels like a bonus, and there’s no greater benefit than winning to get into the Masters and PGA Championship, and a two-year exemption.
“I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I’m excited for the opportunity,” Whaley said.
Chances often go to the final round. Daniel Berger shot a 63 and played his way into the final group, just two shots back. He is tied with former Sea Island winner Mackenzie Hughes (65), Michael Thorbjornsen (67) and Patrick Fishburn (69).
Berger and Thorbjornsen were among those who arrived at Sea Island outside the top 125, the number needed to maintain full status on the tour next year. Thorbjornsen already has that locked in as the No. 1 player on the PGA Tour University rankings.
Berger needed a big week and he’s delivering, though he says he’s under no pressure. Berger missed 19 months with a back injury that he feared could end his career. He is now fit enough to play 27 times this year.
“Whenever I play well, I’ll be good,” said Berger, who played in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. “When you miss that much time it takes a while to come back. It’s just a matter of patience and eventually good things happen.”
Henrik Norlander and Hayden Springer, also on the wrong side of No. 125, each shot 63 and were among those tied for 12th place, a position that would currently allow them to move into the top 125.
Joel Dahmen, who had to make a 5-foot par putt on Friday to make the cut, shot a 70 and tied for 61st. At No. 124 and his future depends on the rotation Sunday, and how Thorbjornsen, Berger, Norlander and Springer perform.
Near the top, eight players are divided by three shots. That includes Luke Clanton, Florida State’s sophomore and No. 1 player. 1 in the world who already has three top 10 players on the PGA Tour and was after another.
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