Jerry McGee (July 21, 1943 – March 31, 2021) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.
Career McGee was born in New Lexington, Ohio. He attended Ohio State University and was a member of the golf team.
In 1966, McGee turned pro. He was successful at 1966 PGA Tour Qualifying School. In 1967, McGee joined the PGA Tour.
McGee won four PGA Tour events in the latter half of the 1970s. In 1979, he won twice: a one shot win over Jerry Pate at the Kemper Open, and a couple of months later a one stroke win over Jack Renner at the Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open. His best finish in a major championship was T-5 at the 1972 Masters Tournament. He was a member of the 1977 Ryder Cup team.
McGee was known for his superb play around the greens. At 5 feet 9½ inches tall and a slim 160 pounds, distance in the ball striking phase of the game was a constant problem for him. He was also plagued by injuries and illnesses during his career. McGee retired from the PGA Tour in 1981 largely due to health problems. He took a club pro job at Oak Tree Country Club in Pennsylvania just across the border from his East Palestine, Ohio home.
McGee returned to competitive golf on the Senior PGA Tour in 1993 upon reaching the age of 50. His best finish in this venue is a T-2 at the 1997 BankBoston Classic. In 1999, he underwent treatment for oropharyngeal, squamous cell carcinoma.
Personal life McGee's son, Mike McGee, a golf agent/businessman, and one-time record-setting pitcher at Mt. Union College, is married to LPGA Tour golfer Annika Sörenstam.
McGee died March 29, 2021, in Florida at the age of 77.
Professional wins (5) PGA Tour wins (4) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner(s)-up1Apr 20, 1975Pensacola Open−13 (69-66-66-70=271)2 strokes Wally Armstrong2Jul 31, 1977IVB-Philadelphia Golf Classic−12 (70-68-65-69=272)4 strokes John Lister, Bob Shearer 3Jun 3, 1979Kemper Open−16 (61-74-69-68=272)1 stroke Jerry Pate4Aug 12, 1979Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open−17 (68-67-67-65=267)1 stroke Jack Renner
PGA Tour playoff record (0–1) No.YearTournamentOpponentResult11976World Open Golf Championship Raymond FloydLost to birdie on first extra hole Source:
Other wins (1) 1982 Tri-State Open
Results in major championships Tournament19701971197219731974197519761977197819791980Masters TournamentT5CUTT15T28T11CUTCUTU.S. OpenT69T13T40CUTT30CUTT19T27T31PGA ChampionshipT22T29T66T55T40T8T6DQT12CUT Note: McGee never played in The Open Championship
CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place DQ = disqualified
U.S. national team appearances Professional Ryder Cup: 1977 (winners)
See also 1966 PGA Tour Qualifying School graduates
References
External links