John Mahaffey

John Drayton Mahaffey Jr. (born May 9, 1948) is an American professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments including 10 PGA Tour events.

Early life Mahaffey was born in Kerrville, Texas. He attended the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. Mahaffey graduated in 1970 with a degree in psychology.

Professional career In 1971, Mahaffey turned pro. He came close to winning back-to-back U.S. Opens. At the 1975 U.S. Open he lost in a playoff to Lou Graham at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois. The following year, at the 1976 U.S. Open, Mahaffey had a two-shot lead after 54 holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Georgia before shooting a final round 73 and finishing T-4.

In 1978, he won the PGA Championship. It was held at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Mahaffey became the best comeback winner in PGA history after trailing Tom Watson by seven strokes with 14 holes to play. Ultimately, the tournament came down to a three-player playoff – Mahaffey, Watson and Jerry Pate. All three players made par on the first playoff hole. The drama ended on the second playoff hole when Pate missed the green, Watson missed a 30-foot birdie attempt and Mahaffey made his 12-foot birdie putt for the Championship. Later in the year he also won the World Cup individual and team event where he was paired with Andy North in 1978.

Mahaffey played on the 1979 Ryder Cup team the following year.

Later in his career, he began work as an announcer on Golf Channel telecasts of the PGA Tour Champions.

Personal life Mahaffey lives near Houston at The Woodlands in his home state of Texas.

Amateur wins 1970 NCAA Championship

Professional wins (16) PGA Tour wins (10) Legend Major championships (1) Players Championships (1) Other PGA Tour (8)

PGA Tour playoff record (3–2)

Other wins (5)

Senior PGA Tour wins (1)

Senior PGA Tour playoff record (1–1) No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result11999 Southwestern Bell Dominion José María Cañizares, Bruce FleisherWon with birdie on second extra holeFleisher eliminated by birdie on first hole 22002 FleetBoston Classic Bob GilderLost to birdie on third extra hole

Major championships

Wins (1) 1Defeated Pate and Watson with a birdie on the second extra hole.

Results timeline

LA = Low amateur CUT = missed the halfway cut WD = Withdrew "T" indicates a tie for a place.

Summary Most consecutive cuts made – 8 (1978 PGA – 1981 Masters) Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (1975 U.S. Open – 1975 Open Championship)

The Players Championship Wins (1) YearChampionship54 holesWinning scoreMarginRunner-up 1986 Tournament Players Championship 4 shot deficit −13 (69-70-65-71=275) 1 stroke Larry Mize

Results timeline

CUT = missed the halfway cut "T" indicates a tie for a place.

U.S. national team appearances Professional Ryder Cup: 1979 (winners) World Cup: 1978 (winners, individual winner), 1979 (winners) Nissan Cup: 1986