John Drayton Mahaffey Jr. (born May 9, 1948) is an American professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments including 10 PGA Tour events.
Mahaffey was born in Kerrville, Texas. He attended the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. Mahaffey graduated in 1970 with a degree in psychology.
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 â 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.
Mahaffey lives near Houston at The Woodlands in his home state of Texas. His family includes wife Elizabeth, and two children.
PGA Tour playoff record (3âÂÂ2)
Senior PGA Tour playoff record (1âÂÂ1)
<sup>1</sup>Defeated Pate and Watson with a birdie on the second extra hole.
<span style="font-size:87%;">LA</span> = Low amateur<br> CUT = missed the halfway cut<br> WD = Withdrew<br> "T" indicates a tie for a place.
CUT = missed the halfway cut<br/> "T" indicates a tie for a place.
Professional