Justin Thomas says what shocked him about Maverick McNealy after playing alongside him at The Genesis

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Despite being beaten by Ludvig Aberg in the end, Maverick McNealy produced a stunning round of golf at the Genesis to the point that Justin Thomas was left stunned.

McNealy made six birdies in the opening nine holes to go to the top of the leaderboard and looked to be cruising to victory with just a few holes to play.

However, a run of four birdies in the last six holes for Aberg ensured the Swede pipped McNealy to the post to pick up his second PGA Tour win.

• READ MORE: Tiger Woods reveals what he thinks of Ludvig Aberg as a person as he wins the Genesis Invitational

Still, McNealy can be proud of his efforts and playing alongside a seasoned major winner in Justin Thomas, McNealy impressed.

In fact, so much so, that Thomas was left to look back over their respective rounds and make a shock revelation about what would have happened had they been playing match-play against each other.

Justin Thomas makes key Maverick McNealy point after the Genesis

After playing alongside McNealy, Thomas was suitably impressed and in the end, McNealy’s form probably brought the best out of Thomas as well.

And looking back over their respective rounds after the tournament had finished, Thomas revealed just how badly beaten he’d have been had it been a match-play event.

“Just went back through the day after thinking about that round by Mav I got to witness first hand today. If we would’ve played a match. I would have been 1 up thru 1….. then lost the next 10 consecutive holes to holes 9&8  holy smokes!!!!”

READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy said to a fan who criticised his caddie during the final round of the Genesis Invitational

Maverick McNealy impresses Tiger Woods at the Genesis

On most tournament weekends, McNealy’s form would have been enough to take the win.

Indeed, a certain Tiger Woods was not surprised to see McNealy in contention. The 15-time major winner stepped into the commentary booth for CBS and admitted it was not a surprise to see him in the mix.

“It is not shocking. He has been playing better. Got a recent win. He has been trending in the right direction. It is not that shocking that he is up there,” Woods said of McNealy.

McNealy took his career earnings to around $16m with the runner-up spot at Torrey Pines and he could well end up being an outsider for Ryder Cup selection if he carries on.