Former USGA Executive Committee member John K. “Jack” Mahaffey Jr. passed away on Dec. 7 at the age of 95.
A member at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club for more than seven decades, Mahaffey enjoyed a long, distinguished career in golf administration. In addition to serving on the USGA Executive Committee from 1976 to 1980, Mahaffey was president of the Pennsylvania Golf Association and served on the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association’s executive committee.
Prior to being elected to the USGA Executive Committee, Mahaffey had strong ties to the USGA. He was the general chairman of the 1962 U.S. Open, 1973 U.S. Open and 1969 U.S. Amateur, all contested at Oakmont. In addition, he was a member of the steering committee for the 1975 Ryder Cup Matches at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pa.
A native of Pittsburgh, Mahaffey attended Penn State University, where he was captain of the golf team. Following his graduation in 1939, he served in the Navy during World War II as the commanding officer of a minesweeper and was awarded a Purple Heart.
The president of Mahaffey Equipment Co., Mahaffey was a strong amateur golfer. He qualified for the 1954 U.S. Amateur and was the runner-up in the 1953 Pennsylvania Amateur and the 1951 Western Pennsylvania Amateur, losing to Arnold Palmer.
Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, Mahaffey is survived by three daughters, nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to:
Christ Church Fox Chapel
630 Squaw Run Road East
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
christchurchfoxchapel.org, 412-963-8938
Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation
1215 Hulton Road
Oakmont, PA 15139
srcare.org, 412-826-6195