Stanford All-American golfer Maverick McNealy is pulling out of this Arnold Palmer Cup due to undisclosed health issues, it was announced Thursday.
McNealy, who has been nursing the health issues for the past few months, said he is taking a break from competition for the immediate future.
“After discussing with my parents, coaches, and doctors, we think that it would be best for me to stay home and get this taken care of,” McNealy said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to play, and am crushed that I won’t be making the trip with the team to Formby. I had been looking forward to this for a long time, and would be there in a heartbeat if I were able. I have no doubt that the team will play well, be great ambassadors for the game, and have an incredible time.”
The Pac-12 Player of the Year was tabbed to the Arnold Palmer Cup team for the second straight year, and helped lead the United States to victory in 2015.
“Maverick is very disappointed that he is unable to participate in this year’s Arnold Palmer Cup,” said Conrad Ray, Stanford’s Director of Men’s Golf. “His connection to Mr. Palmer through his time playing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, as well as his appreciation of the ideals that Mr. Palmer represents and upholds, mean a lot to him. Health is the number one priority and his decision is the correct one, albeit difficult.”
A timeframe for McNealy’s return has not been determined.
McNealy, the Nicklaus Award winner as the top college golfer as a sophomore, won three events and finished in the top 10 on four other occasions this year, earning all-Pac 12 first-team honors.
By Alan George/Stanford Athletics
By Alan George/Stanford Athletics
By Alan George/Stanford Athletics