“I think 120 is a beautiful number” – RSM Classic champ Maverick McNealy gives candid take on PGA Tour field sizes
RSM Classic winner Maverick McNealy is the latest to share his thoughts on the ongoing PGA Tour field size debate. He recently said that he was not in favor of eliminating cuts and wasn’t convinced by any arguments supporting the keeping field size of Signature events to 72. He added that 120 was an adequate field size and quite competitive.
On Sunday, November 24, Maverick McNealy carded a 2-under 68 in the final round to win the RSM Classic 2024. He aggregated at 16-under to post a one-shot win over Daniel Berger, Nico Echavarria, and amateur Luke Clanton.
On Saturday, November 23, during the post-round interview, McNealy shed light on his opinion on the field size debate.
"I have a hard time defending Signature Event fields of 72 players if we're going to limit the number of players that have a card," he said. "I think 120 is a beautiful number, I think it's very competitive. I think a cut is an integral part of our sport and I think it would be really cool to play Signature Events at 120 players over the 72.
"With eight tournaments, that's 400 more playing opportunities. It just seems like a layup to me. There's a bunch of arguments why 72 is the number. None of them have convinced me yet, but that's my personal opinion," he added.
For the uninitiated, the PGA Tour will reduce the field size for all its events starting in 2026. The maximum field size will decrease from 156 to 144 players, while events with a 132-player field will be limited to 120 players. The Players Championship will also adopt a reduced field of just 120 players.
However, events played on multiple courses will remain at 156 players, except for the Farmers Insurance Open, which will have a 144-player field.
It was an unbelievable adrenaline" - Maverick McNealy reflects on his maiden PGA Tour win at the RSM Classic 2024
During the winner's press conference, Maverick McNealy reflected on his RSM Classic 2024 win.
"My mind's gone blank honestly," he said. "It was an unbelievable adrenaline rush there, especially on 18. Start to come down from it a little bit, but I -- it was a moment I will never forget getting to celebrate with my friends, my family, my wife, my team.
"I'm bummed we don't get to see them next week and there's not a tournament next week so we can all high five and enjoy it, but I know they're all watching and I know they're all really, really happy and I'm so, so glad I could get one for them," he added.
Maverick McNealy earned $1,368,000 for his maiden PGA Tour win and also moved to 51st in the FedEx Cup Fall standings.