The QBE shootout, a prestigious golf event featuring 24 players divided into 12 teams, kicked off this year with its pro-am event on December 6th. These 12 teams are now competing fiercely, each striving to emerge as the ultimate champion duo. Among these competitive pairs are LPGA star Lexi Thompson and PGA Tour star Maverick McNealy.
The QBE shootout unfolds over three days, with each day featuring a different format. The first day sees teams engage in a scramble, followed by a modified alternate shot on the second day, and the four-ball format on the final day. This exciting event takes place at the Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples.
Following the pro-am meet, Lexi Thompson and Maverick McNealy sat down for an interview. They shared their thoughts on the course and the anticipated challenges, expressing their excitement about participating in a team event, which is somewhat uncommon on the professional tours.
During the interview, the reporter inquired whether they had ever played together or knew much about each other’s games. In unison, the duo shook their heads, and Lexi, with a blush and a smile, responded, “I know he’s good.” McNealy chuckled and reciprocated, saying, “I know she’s won ten times, so that’s good.”
Both golfers, currently 27 years old, bring their unique strengths to the partnership. McNealy is yet to secure a win on the PGA Tour, while Lexi boasts 11 career victories, including a major championship. Despite not clinching a win on the LPGA Tour in the past three years, Lexi came close multiple times this year, securing second place in four different tour events.
Lexi Thompson also achieved a significant victory this year at the Aramco Team Series in New York, where she topped the individual leaderboard, outperforming competitors Brooke Henderson and Madelene Sagstrom by three strokes.
In contrast, McNealy’s PGA Tour victories remained elusive this year, but he did manage two top-10 finishes since the start of the 2022-2023 season in September. This marks his inaugural appearance at the QBE shootout, while Lexi has participated in the event five times previously, though victory has eluded her. Together, they hope to change that this year.
