George McNeill is a seasoned professional golfer known for his resilience and two PGA Tour victories. With a career spanning over two decades, McNeill has built a legacy marked by perseverance, notable wins, and consistent performance. This article dives into his personal life, career milestones, financial achievements, and current standing in the golf world.
George McNeill’s Biography
Category | Details |
Full Name | George William McNeill Jr. |
Born | October 2, 1975 (Age 49 as of 2025) |
Nationality | American |
Birthplace | Naples, Florida, USA |
College | Florida State University |
Turned Pro | 1998 |
Net Worth | $12.2 million |
Spouse | Ryan McNeill |
Relationship Status | Married |
Early Career
George McNeill’s early career was defined by standout collegiate success followed by years of grinding on golf’s lower tiers.
A Naples, Florida native, he attended North Fort Myers High School before joining Florida State University’s golf team in 1993. At FSU, McNeill became a four-year letterman and earned All-ACC and All-America honors in 1997 and 1998. His senior year was particularly dominant: he won the Tennessee Tournament of Champions, notched five top-10 finishes, and led the Seminoles to NCAA tournament appearances in 1995 and 1996.
His college career laid the foundation for a gritty transition to professional golf. After turning pro in 1998, McNeill faced immediate challenges. He bounced between mini-tours like the Emerald Coast Tour, where he secured his first pro win at the 1999 Citronelle Classic. Despite flashes of success—including victories at the 2001 Waterloo Open and 2002 Beck’s Open—he struggled to break through on the Nationwide Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour).
By 2005, McNeill stepped away from competitive golf altogether, working as an assistant club pro at Shadow Wood and Forest Country Clubs in Fort Myers. This hiatus lasted six months before a pivotal moment reignited his drive: qualifying for the 2006 U.S. Open. Though he missed the cut, the experience rekindled his competitive fire. Later that year, McNeill triumphed at the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, earning his 2007 PGA Tour card.
His rookie season defied expectations, as he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the 2007 Frys.com Open with a blistering 23-under-par performance. This win not only validated his persistence but also set the stage for a career marked by resilience.
Professional Career
George McNeill’s professional career is a story of perseverance, marked by thrilling highs and challenging lows. After securing his PGA Tour card in late 2006, McNeill made an explosive rookie debut in 2007 by winning the Frys.com Open with a jaw-dropping 23-under-par score, beating a field that included major champions like Davis Love III.
The victory earned him $720,000, a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs, and a two-year Tour exemption—a rare feat for a first-year player. His aggressive putting and clutch short-game performances during this period became hallmarks of his style. McNeill’s second PGA Tour win came five years later at the 2012 Puerto Rico Open, where he edged out Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa by two strokes.
The win showcased his mental toughness, as he battled windy conditions and a packed leaderboard to close with a 67 in the final round. While victories were sparse, McNeill consistently delivered strong finishes, including a career-best runner-up result at the 2014 Greenbrier Classic. There, he fired a Sunday 61—tying the course record—only to lose by two strokes to Ángel Cabrera.
Though he never contended in majors (his best finish was T62 at the 2013 PGA Championship), McNeill remained a reliable presence on Tour, making over 56% of cuts across 309 starts. Injuries and fluctuating form tested McNeill later in his career.
After losing his PGA Tour card in 2016, he transitioned to the Korn Ferry Tour, where he continued competing into his late 40s. His adaptability shone through, as he recalibrated his game to focus on accuracy off the tee and course management.
By 2025, McNeill still tees it up selectively on the Korn Ferry circuit, ranking T132 on the Points List. Though no longer a regular contender, his resilience has kept him relevant in competitive golf—evidenced by a T15 finish at the 2023 Veritex Bank Championship.
Financially, McNeill leveraged his steady play into over $12 million in career earnings, with his peak year coming in 2014 ($2.01 million). While he never landed lucrative endorsement deals like top-tier peers, his blue-collar work ethic and relatable journey—from club pro to Tour winner—earned him respect among fans and peers.
Today, McNeill’s career stands as a testament to longevity in a sport where most players fade after their mid-40s, proving that grit and adaptability can outlast raw talent alone.
Wife
George McNeill married Ryan Lynn Turner in January 2006, and the couple resides in Florida.
Their relationship remains private,McNeill has consistently kept his family life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on his golf career and personal interests like piloting and fishing. While some reference other individuals named “Ryan McNeil” (including a fictional soap opera character and a journalist), these are unrelated to McNeill’s wife.
George McNeill’s Net Worth Details
George McNeill’s net worth is estimated to be $12.2 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
Year | Earnings |
2002 | $4,000 |
2006 | $50,000 |
2007 | $1,488,264 |
2008 | $1,361,531 |
2009 | $1,509,220 |
2010 | $664,854 |
2011 | $1,458,110 |
2012 | $1,103,885 |
2013 | $500,798 |
2014 | $2,014,357 |
2015 | $1,331,768 |
2016 | $213,895 |
2017 | $9,984 |
2018 | $91,100 |
2019 | $187,950 |
2020 | $282,527 |
2021 | $19,012 |
2022 | $16,800 |
2023 | $16,834 |
2025 | $11,542 |
Total | $12,336,430 |
Endorsements
George McNeill’s endorsement portfolio is notably modest compared to many PGA Tour peers. While he lacks major corporate partnerships with global brands, his primary affiliation has been with Florida State University’s golf program, where he frequently returns to train and mentor younger players. This relationship serves as an informal ambassadorial role rather than a traditional paid sponsorship.
Locally, McNeill has partnered with Southwest Florida businesses, including golf clubs and community organizations, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed. His grounded persona and regional appeal make him a relatable figure for smaller-scale collaborations. Notably, he has no publicly confirmed deals with equipment manufacturers like Titleist or Callaway, opting instead to use clubs and gear without formal sponsorship agreements.
McNeill’s lack of high-profile endorsements underscores his career focus on tournament performance over commercial ventures. His earnings derive almost entirely from prize money, with his total net worth ($12.2 million in 2025) reflecting this tournament-centric approach.
Career Stats
Category | Stats |
PGA Tour Wins | 2 (2007 Frys.com Open, 2012 Puerto Rico Open) |
Professional Wins Total | 6 |
Runner-Up Finishes | 2 |
Top-10 Finishes | 27 |
Cuts Made | 173/309 (56%) |
Career Earnings (2025) | $12.36 million |
Best Major Finish | T62 (2013 PGA Championship) |
Highest World Ranking | 67th (March 2008) |
FAQs
1. How many PGA Tour wins does George McNeill have?
George McNeill has two PGA Tour victories: the 2007 Frys.com Open and the 2012 Puerto Rico Open. His first win came as a rookie with a 23-under-par score, while his second featured a final-round 67 to defeat Ryo Ishikawa by two strokes.
2. What is George McNeill’s net worth?
As of 2025, George McNeill’s net worth is estimated at $12.2 million. The majority stems from PGA Tour earnings, supplemented by minor endorsements and partnerships in Florida.
3. Where was George McNeill born?
McNeill was born in Naples, Florida, on October 2, 1975. He attended North Fort Myers High School before joining Florida State University’s golf team, where he earned All-America honors.
4. Which college did George McNeill attend?
He played collegiate golf at Florida State University, leading the Seminoles to NCAA tournament appearances in 1995 and 1996. His standout senior year included five top-10 finishes and a Tennessee Tournament of Champions win.
5. When did George McNeill temporarily leave professional golf?
In 2005, McNeill took a six-month hiatus from competitive golf to work as an assistant club pro in Fort Myers. He returned in 2006 after qualifying for the U.S. Open and later earned his PGA Tour card.
6. What is George McNeill’s best finish in a major championship?
His best major performance was a T62 at the 2013 PGA Championship. He missed cuts in all other majors, including the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
7. What hobbies does George McNeill enjoy outside golf?
An instrument-rated pilot, McNeill enjoys tarpon fishing and aviation. His bucket list includes diving with Great White sharks, and he supports charities like Southwest Florida Junior Golf and Hope Hospice.
8. How did George McNeill honor his sister during the 2014 Greenbrier Classic?
McNeill learned his sister Michele was gravely ill with cancer before the final round. He shot a career-best 61 that day, later calling it a tribute to her strength. She passed away shortly after his round.
9. What is George McNeill’s current competitive status?
As of 2025, McNeill competes part-time on the Korn Ferry Tour, ranking T132 on the Points List. His PGA Tour status remains “past champion,” allowing limited starts.
10. Does George McNeill have social media accounts?
McNeill maintains a private lifestyle with no publicly known social media presence. He focuses on family, fishing, and aviation rather than public engagement.