STANFORD, Calif. - Maverick McNealy overcame a three-shot deficit to chase down UAB's Will Cannon to win The Goodwin at Stanford Golf Course on Saturday.
The season's fourth win for McNealy came with scores of 67-64-66 (197) to finish at 13-under, one shot shy of matching 2014 winner Patrick Rodgers' tournament-record 196. McNealy's win was the latest of Stanford's 15 individual titles at the event.
McNealy and Cannon signed identical 197 scorecards, with McNealy taking the top honor in a scorecard playoff. McNealy became the first collegiate golfer to reach four individual victories on the season.
In McNealy's three rounds, the sophomore totaled 20 birdies, one eagle, five bogeys and a quadruple bogey.
McNealy got his hands on the trophy with a big-time finish on the 18th. His second shot came to rest a few dozen yards beyond the green and the ensuing chip landed on the back fringe. He calmly sank a 17-foot putt for par which stood to help earn the win.
"Maverick continues to lead us with an amazing win on his home course," said Knowles Family Director of Men's Golf Conrad Ray. "It was something special."
Cannon steered his UAB squad to first place at 23-under (272-269-276). UAB and SMU tied for top honors, but the Blazers found the edge courtesy of the applied tiebreaker.
Stanford was third with a 17-under 823. The Cardinal was 8-under on its final circuit.
David Boote drained five birdies during his round of 67, giving him a share of sixth at 7-under for the event. Franklin Huang added a 67 and was 5-over through 54 holes in his home debut. Patrick Grimes tied for 33rd at 1-over.
Jeffrey Swegle contributed a smooth 3-under 67 to tie for 12th. Dominick Francks and Bradley Knox tied for 50th at 4-over.
"I'm happy the guys made a run in the team competition," Ray added. "The course played difficult with some firmer greens and longer rough. It was neat to see Franklin Huang come back to help the team.
"It was extra special to have Coach (Wally) Goodwin here to give Maverick the winner's jacket of his namesake tournament. Everyone at Stanford appreciates what Coach Goodwin has done for the golf program and university."
The Cardinal next heads south to Santa Cruz, California, for the Western Intercollegiate (April 11-12).
