Golf Majors Lookup

Complete Major Championship History

John Mahaffey headshot

John Mahaffey

1 Major Championship • 90th All-Time

1 Wins
0 2nd Place
First Win Age
Last Win Age

Major Championship Wins

About John Mahaffey

John Mahaffey won 1 major championship during their career.

Career Highlights

  • 1978 PGA Championship — Historic comeback win at Oakmont, erasing seven-stroke deficit to Tom Watson with 14 holes remaining
  • Playoff Victory — Defeated Watson and Jerry Pate with 12-foot birdie putt on second playoff hole
  • 1975 U.S. Open — Runner-up at Medinah, losing in playoff to Lou Graham
  • 1976 U.S. Open — Led by two strokes after 54 holes at Atlanta Athletic Club before finishing T-4
  • 1978 World Cup — Won both individual and team titles, partnering with Andy North
  • PGA Tour Success — 10 career PGA Tour victories, including 1970 NCAA Championship

Did You Know?

  • Greatest Comeback: Mahaffey's seven-stroke deficit overcome with 14 holes to play at the 1978 PGA Championship was the best comeback in PGA Championship history at the time
  • Psychology Degree: Graduated from the University of Houston in 1970 with a degree in psychology — perhaps helping his mental game during that epic PGA comeback
  • Broadcasting Career: After his playing days, Mahaffey became a Golf Channel announcer covering PGA Tour Champions events, bringing his experience and Texas charm to the booth