Background
Mahaffey, John was born on May 9, 1948 in Kerrville, Texas, United States.
Mahaffey, John was born on May 9, 1948 in Kerrville, Texas, United States.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University Houston, 1970.
He turned pro in 1971 after graduating in 1970 with a degree in psychology. Mahaffey came close to winning back to back United States. Opens. In 1975 he lost in a playoff to Lou Graham at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois.
The following year 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 T4th.
The 1978 Professional Golf Association championship was held at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. 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 put for the Championship.
Mahaffey played on the 1979 Ryder Cup team
Mahaffey currently lives near Houston at The Woodlands in his home state of Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing. Early in his career, Mahaffey was often sought out by other players to do comedic imitations for which he has a special talent.
He last played on the Champions Tour in 2007.
He works as a roving announcer on Champions Tour Golf Channel telecasts. 1970 National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship Professional Golf Association Tour wins (10) Other wins (4) Champions Tour wins (1) Wins (1) 1Defeated Pate and Watson with a birdie on the second extra hole.
Results timeline Los Angeles = Low amateur DNP = Did not play World Development = Withdrew CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place Green background for wins. Yellow background for top-10 Summary Most consecutive cuts made – 8 (1978 Professional Golf Association – 1981 Masters) Longest streak of top-10s – 2 (1975 United States Open – 1975 Open Championship) Professional Ryder Cup: 1979 (winners).
Married Susan Mahaffey. 1 child, John Mahaffey III.