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Andrew Stewart North (born March 9, 1950) is an American professional golfer who had three wins on the PGA Tour, including the U.S. Open twice. Since 1992, he has served as a golf analyst for ESPN.

Key Information

Early life

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North was born in Thorp, Wisconsin, and raised in Monona, Wisconsin.

He attended Monona Grove High School, graduating in 1968. While still in high school, he lost in the final match of the Wisconsin State Amateur Match Play Championship at Merrill Hills Country Club. Two years later, he won the 1969 Wisconsin State Amateur Championship at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin by defeating Archie Dadian in the match play final.

Amateur career

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North accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He played for coach Buster Bishop's Florida Gators men's golf team from 1969 to 1972.[1] He was a three-time first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection,[1] and an All-American in 1970, 1971 and 1972.[2] North graduated from Florida with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1972 and was later inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as "Gator Great."[3]

Professional career

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In 1972, North turned professional. He had a moderately successful career on the PGA Tour made remarkable by the fact that two of his three wins on tour were in the U.S. Open. The first PGA Tour win of North's career came at the 1977 American Express Westchester Classic. The following year he won the 1978 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He moved into the lead after the second round, and was one shot ahead going into Sunday, but an erratic final round left him needing to make a five on the last hole to take the championship. He struggled at the 18th hole finding the rough twice and then landing in a greenside bunker. However, he made a four-foot putt to win by one stroke over J. C. Snead and Dave Stockton.

At the 1985 U.S. Open, on the South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, North found himself two shots behind Chen Tze-chung of Taiwan going into the final round, but three shots clear of the rest of the field. Chen moved into a four-shot lead early, but threw the tournament wide open by shooting a quadruple bogey eight on the fifth hole. The lead swung between North, Chen, Denis Watson, Payne Stewart,[4] and Dave Barr. However, North went into the last hole with a two-shot lead, and his bogey five was enough to give him a second major championship.[5]

North played on the 1985 Ryder Cup team. In 1990, he won the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Since turning 50 in 2000, North has played intermittently on the Champions Tour. His best finish at this level is a win at the 2008 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf.

Broadcasting career

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In 1992, North joined ESPN as an on-course reporter.[6] In 2004, he was promoted to the lead on-course reporter for ESPN and ABC Sports. He also has been the lead analyst on ESPN's golf studio shows with host Scott Van Pelt since 2003. According to ESPN, his preview shows for major championships have been so in-depth that Tour players have been known to watch them to help with course strategy. From 2003 to 2014, North concluded his U.S. Open preview show by dressing up in a doctor's outfit and using an often modified formula to pick the winner of the tournament. North eliminates groups of players who he believes will not win by writing them on large white placards which he then tosses over the edge of the set. In addition, North occasionally serves as a substitute analyst for Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball radio broadcast.

Awards and honors

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Amateur wins

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Professional wins (15)

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PGA Tour wins (3)

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Legend
Major championships (2)
Other PGA Tour (1)
No. Date Tournament Winning score To par Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 Aug 21, 1977 American Express Westchester Classic 66-70-65-71=272 −12 2 strokes United States George Archer
2 Jun 18, 1978 U.S. Open 70-70-71-74=285 +1 1 stroke United States J. C. Snead, United States Dave Stockton
3 Jun 16, 1985 U.S. Open (2) 70-65-70-74=279 −1 1 stroke Canada Dave Barr, Taiwan Chen Tze-chung,
Zimbabwe Denis Watson

South American wins (1)

[edit]

Other wins (5)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score To par Margin of
victory 		Runner(s)-up
1 Dec 3, 1978 World Cup
(with United States John Mahaffey) 		141-144-138-141=564 −12 10 strokes  Australia − Wayne Grady and Greg Norman
2 Aug 7, 1979 PGA Grand Slam of Golf 73 +3 Shared title with South Africa Gary Player
3 May 28, 1990 PGA Grand Slam of Golf (2) 70 −2 4 strokes United States Craig Stadler
4 Jul 31, 1990 Jerry Ford Invitational 68-65=133 −10 Shared title with United States Jim Gallagher Jr. and United States Donnie Hammond
5 Jun 28, 2005 ING Par-3 Shootout $350,000 $260,000 United States Gary McCord

Champions Tour wins (1)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score To par Margin of
victory 		Runners-up
1 Apr 27, 2008 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf
(with United States Tom Watson) 		59-62-64=185 −31 1 stroke United States Jeff Sluman and United States Craig Stadler

Champions Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 2001 Emerald Coast Classic United States Mike McCullough Lost to par on first extra hole

Other senior wins (5)

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Major championships

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Wins (2)

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Year Championship 54 holes Winning score Margin Runners-up
1978 U.S. Open 1 shot lead +1 (70-70-71-74= 285) 1 stroke United States J. C. Snead, United States Dave Stockton
1985 U.S. Open (2) 2 shot deficit −1 (70-65-70-74=279) 1 stroke Canada Dave Barr, Taiwan Chen Tze-chung,
Zimbabwe Denis Watson

Results timeline

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Tournament 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
Masters Tournament T37 T24 T32 T12
U.S. Open T12 T14 CUT 1 T11
The Open Championship CUT
PGA Championship T39 4 T49 CUT T42 CUT
Tournament 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
Masters Tournament T24 CUT CUT T30 T41 CUT T36 CUT
U.S. Open T8 T43 T22 T10 CUT 1 67 CUT CUT CUT
The Open Championship T45 T47
PGA Championship T15 T11 T70 CUT CUT CUT CUT CUT T58
Tournament 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
Masters Tournament T27
U.S. Open T51 T37 CUT CUT CUT CUT
The Open Championship T39
PGA Championship
  Win
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the halfway cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place.

Summary

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Tournament Wins 2nd 3rd Top-5 Top-10 Top-25 Events Cuts made
Masters Tournament 0 0 0 0 0 3 13 9
U.S. Open 2 0 0 2 4 8 21 12
The Open Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3
PGA Championship 0 0 0 1 1 3 15 8
Totals 2 0 0 3 5 14 53 32
  • Most consecutive cuts made – 7 (1974 PGA – 1977 Masters)
  • Longest streak of top-10s – 1 (five times)

Results in The Players Championship

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Tournament 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
The Players Championship T49 T34 CUT CUT T4 T20 CUT T69 T32 CUT CUT T55 CUT T54 71 CUT CUT T27 CUT CUT
  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the halfway cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place

U.S. national team appearances

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Professional

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andy North

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andy North (born March 9, 1950) is an American professional golfer and sports broadcaster best known for his two victories in the U.S. Open, in 1978 at and in 1985 at . Born in , , North turned professional in 1972 after a distinguished amateur career that included winning the 1969 Wisconsin Amateur and the 1971 Western Amateur, as well as finishing as runner-up in the 1967 U.S. Junior Amateur. A three-time selection at the , where he earned a B.S. degree in 1972, North joined the in 1973 and secured three total victories, including the 1977 American Express Westchester Classic alongside his major triumphs. North represented the in the and the 1978 , competing full-time on the until 1992. Transitioning to broadcasting that year, he joined as an on-course reporter and has since become a lead analyst for ABC and golf telecasts, covering events like the U.S. Open and . On the since 2000, North has made 128 starts with a best finish of solo second at the 2001 Emerald Coast Classic. He shares the record for the lowest nine-hole score of 27, achieved alongside and Mike Souchak. Beyond golf, North has been active in , founding the Andy North and Friends Initiative in 2008 to support and receiving the 2013 Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Award of Excellence. A past chair of the Board, he hosts the annual Sanford International on the , including a 2025 exhibition with and NFL legends. In 2024, North began a three-year term on the USGA Executive Committee, serving on various committees through 2026. Despite enduring multiple knee surgeries, treatments, and other health challenges, North remains a prominent figure in , residing in .

Early Life and Background

Early Life

Andy North was born on March 9, 1950, in , . His father, a of administration, and his mother, Mary, instilled a strong emphasis on stability and learning in the family home. North grew up in Monona, , in a sporting family that encouraged participation in various athletics amid the region's harsh winters. As a child, he engaged in multiple contact sports, but in the seventh grade, he was diagnosed with , a degenerative affecting the blood supply to his left knee. This condition rendered him non-weight-bearing for two years, leading to to repair torn cartilage and resulting in his left leg being slightly shorter than the right. Unable to continue high-impact activities, North turned to as a gentler alternative, quickly developing a passion for the sport. His father supported this shift by driving him over 100 miles for lessons, and at age 12, North began formal instruction under club professional Lee Milligan at Nakoma Golf Club in Madison.

Education

Andy North attended Monona Grove High School in Monona, Wisconsin, where he developed an interest in during his teenage years. He graduated from the school in 1968. Following high school, North enrolled at the in Gainesville, where he pursued a degree in and finance. He received a that supported his studies and allowed him to join the university's team. Throughout his college years, North balanced his academic coursework with rigorous training and participation in team activities, maintaining eligibility as a student-athlete. North completed his degree in 1972. His time at the marked a pivotal period where academic discipline complemented his athletic development, setting the foundation for his professional career.

Amateur Career

College Achievements

Andy North joined the University of Florida men's golf team in 1969, competing for the Gators under head coach Buster Bishop, a Hall of Famer known for building one of the nation's collegiate programs. During his four years on the team (1969–1972), North contributed to a squad that finished among the SEC's elite, though the Gators secured conference titles just before and after his tenure. North's individual excellence defined his collegiate career, earning him first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors three times and All-America recognition in 1970, 1971, and 1972, marking him as one of the top amateur players nationally. These accolades highlighted his precise ball-striking and steady putting, skills honed through Bishop's emphasis on course management and , which became hallmarks of North's game. As a standout performer, North's college success opened doors to prominent national amateur competitions, positioning him as a rising talent in U.S. circles before turning professional in 1972. He graduated that year with a in , balancing academics with his athletic pursuits.

Amateur Wins

Andy North's amateur career featured significant achievements that underscored his emerging talent as a top-tier golfer. At age 17, he finished as runner-up in the 1967 U.S. Junior Amateur, losing in the final to John Crooks at Twin Hills Country Club in . In 1969, at the age of 19, he captured the State Amateur Championship by defeating Archie Dadian in the match-play final, marking his first major title and solidifying his status as Wisconsin's premier young player. North's most prestigious amateur triumph came in 1971 when he won the Western Amateur at Point O'Woods Country Club in . He clinched the title with a 1-up victory over Barney Thompson in the 36-hole final, sinking a one-foot par putt on the 18th hole to secure the win after a closely contested match. This success, one of the most competitive invitational tournaments in amateur golf, elevated his national profile and contributed to his three-time All-American honors at the . These achievements represented North's primary amateur accolades, demonstrating his match-play prowess and consistency under pressure. They played a key role in qualifying him for elite competitions and paving the way for his transition to golf in , where his amateur achievements provided a strong foundation for early success.

Professional Playing Career

PGA Tour Career

Andy North turned in following a distinguished amateur career at the , where he breezed through Qualifying School that fall and began competing full-time in 1973. His early years on the Tour were marked by steady progress amid the challenges of establishing a presence in a competitive field, with consistent performances that saw him make the cut in a majority of events as he honed his game. North secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 1977 Westchester Classic, a breakthrough that affirmed his potential after four seasons of building experience. He followed this with major triumphs at the 1978 U.S. Open and the 1985 U.S. Open, bringing his total to three wins over a career spanning 507 starts through the early . These successes highlighted his resilience, particularly in high-stakes events, though his overall record reflected a consistency rather than dominance, with 50 top-10 finishes, including 24 top-5s and seven runner-up placements. Throughout his Tour tenure, North demonstrated reliability by making 315 cuts from 507 events played, contributing to career earnings of $1,365,530. However, his progress was frequently interrupted by a series of injuries, including six knee surgeries stemming from a childhood ailment, a broken hand, issues, right spurs, and operations to remove skin cancers from his face. These setbacks led to extended absences, such as nearly two months missed in spring 1991, forcing him to adapt through rehabilitation and strategic adjustments to maintain competitiveness into the early . Despite these hurdles, North's ability to rebound, as seen in his 1990 resurgence after a healthier stretch, underscored his perseverance in navigating the physical and mental demands of professional .

Other Professional Wins

In addition to his three PGA Tour victories, Andy North recorded successes in invitational events, including the , an unofficial money tournament for the previous year's major champions. These triumphs demonstrated his adaptability and contributed to his profile ahead of major successes like the U.S. Open. One notable non-PGA Tour victory came in the 1990 , held at Kemper Lakes Golf Club near , , where North posted a score of 70 to claim the title. This win highlighted his precision in high-stakes, limited-field competitions among elite players. Earlier, in the inaugural 1979 at in , North tied with at 73 to share the honors, earning $12,000. These invitational successes underscored North's versatility and resilience amid a career marked by injuries, ultimately bolstering his transition to while maintaining his competitive edge.

Senior Career

Andy North joined the Champions Tour upon turning 50 in 2000, marking his entry into senior professional golf after a distinguished . He competed in 128 events over the subsequent years, making 118 cuts and accumulating $1,982,297 in official earnings, with 14 top-10 finishes highlighting his selective but consistent participation. North's most notable achievement on the Champions Tour came in 2008, when he partnered with Tom Watson to win the Legends of Golf, a team better-ball event held at The Club at Savannah Harbor in . The duo finished at 31-under-par 185, edging out and Jeff Sluman by one stroke after a final-round 8-under 64. This victory marked his first official win in 23 years. In addition to the 2008 triumph, North secured five other senior victories, primarily in team formats at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. He teamed with Jim Colbert to win the event in 2000, shooting a first-round 13-under 59 en route to a wire-to-wire victory in windy conditions, and repeated the success in 2001 for back-to-back titles. Later, partnering again with Watson, North captured the Raphael Division—a 36-hole team segment—in 2005, 2006, and 2007, including a record-tying 11-under 61 in the final round of 2007 to clinch the third consecutive win without a bogey over 126 holes. These successes underscored North's affinity for team play and strategic course management in senior competition. North's overall senior career reflected a part-time commitment, balancing competition with his growing broadcasting role; he scaled back regular play around 2006–2008 following his Raphael Division streak, making only occasional appearances thereafter, with his last competitive start in 2021. His best individual finish was a solo second at the 2001 Classic, where he lost in a playoff to Mike McCullough.

Broadcasting Career

ESPN Role

Andy North transitioned from his professional career to when he was hired by in September 1992 as an on-course reporter. This role marked the beginning of his long tenure with the network, leveraging his experience as a two-time U.S. Open champion to provide insights during live tournament coverage. Over the years, North's responsibilities evolved significantly. By 2003, he had become the lead analyst for 's studio shows. In 2004, he was promoted to lead on-course reporter for both and ABC Sports, a position he has held while continuing to contribute as an analyst. In this capacity, North covers major championship events, including the U.S. Open, , and , delivering on-site reporting and analysis for ESPN's broadcasts. He frequently collaborates with prominent broadcasters such as and , forming part of the core team for high-profile golf telecasts.

Notable Contributions

Andy North's broadcasting career is marked by his analytical depth, drawing on his playing experience to provide context during major events. In more recent majors, North's insights have been notable during ESPN's coverage. As of 2025, his role includes serving as an analyst for the alongside . North has played a pivotal role in evolving 's golf coverage, particularly through integration with digital media platforms. Since joining the network in 1992, he has adapted to multi-screen experiences, providing on-site analysis for streams during events like the 2023 World Champions Cup, where his breakdowns of team dynamics helped pioneer hybrid broadcast formats combining traditional TV with real-time social media interactions. North's analytical style, which seamlessly weaves his two-time U.S. Open winner perspective into objective breakdowns, has earned widespread recognition for making complex strategies approachable. Golf analysts and peers, including , have praised this blend for demystifying the professional game, as seen in his post-round dissections that focus on mental preparation over mere mechanics. This approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also sets a standard for player-turned-broadcasters in the industry.

Achievements and Honors

Awards and Honors

Andy North has received several notable recognitions for his contributions to and throughout his career. In 1990, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame by the Wisconsin State Golf Association, honoring his distinguished achievements as a from the state. He is also a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame (inducted 1998), recognizing his broader impact on sports in his home state, and the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame (inducted 1975), where he earned three-time All-American honors during his collegiate career. In 2013, North was awarded the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation's Award of Excellence for his dedicated efforts in , particularly through the Andy North & Friends initiative that has supported the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center since 2008. This recognition highlights his personal journey as a survivor and his commitment to beyond the golf course. In 2019, a television commercial featuring North for the UW Carbone Cancer Center earned first place for Best Commercial at the Broadcasters Association Awards, underscoring his influential role in media and awareness campaigns. In 2024, North began a three-year term on the USGA Executive Committee, serving on various subcommittees through 2026. These honors collectively reflect North's enduring legacy, encompassing his on-course resilience—particularly in overcoming multiple injuries following his 1985 U.S. Open victory—and his off-course contributions to broadcasting and charitable causes, amassing at least five major lifetime recognitions as of 2025.

U.S. National Team Appearances

Andy North represented the United States in two major international team competitions during his professional career. His first national team appearance came in the 1978 World Cup of Golf, held at the Makai Golf Club in Hanalei, Hawaii, USA, where he partnered with John Mahaffey. The American duo posted a team total of 564 (−12), securing victory by a margin of 10 strokes over Australia (Wayne Grady and Greg Norman), marking the United States' 14th World Cup title. Individually, Mahaffey earned the International Trophy with a score of 276, while North finished second at 278, two strokes behind. North's sole Ryder Cup appearance occurred in 1985 at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England, where he was selected as a rookie following his victory in that year's U.S. Open. As part of captain Lee Trevino's squad, North competed in three matches across the weekend, posting an individual record of 0-3-0 in a team effort that ended in a 16.5-11.5 defeat for the —the first European victory on home soil and a turning point in the competition's history. In Saturday morning's four-ball session, North paired with and lost 2&1 to and Manuel Piñero of Europe. That afternoon, in the foursomes, he teamed with but fell 2&1 to and Howard Clark. North closed out his participation in Sunday's singles, where Torrance defeated him 1-up with a clinching 22-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, securing Europe's winning margin. These team outings underscored North's role as a reliable representative for the U.S. in global events, particularly as his 1978 success came shortly after his maiden major triumph at the U.S. Open earlier that year, and his 1985 selection highlighted his form atop the . Despite the Ryder Cup loss, North's participation in these high-stakes matches added to his reputation for composure under pressure in international play.

Major Championships

U.S. Open Wins

Andy North captured his first major championship at the 1978 U.S. Open, held at in , where he posted rounds of 70-70-71-74 for a total score of 285 (+1), securing a one-stroke victory over and , who both finished at 286. Entering the tournament as a relatively unheralded 28-year-old professional in his sixth season on the , North prepared by drawing on his collegiate background at the and prior amateur successes, emphasizing steady play on the demanding par-71 layout known for its challenging greens and altitude effects. His strategy centered on precision iron play and exceptional putting, sinking 114 putts for the week, which allowed him to build a five-stroke lead after 54 holes despite early pressure from contenders like . The final round proved tense, with North carding a 74 that included a pivotal bogey on the par-5 18th hole—the most difficult in the tournament—to clinch the title and avert a three-way playoff, the first since 1963. After driving into the rough on the 480-yard closing hole, North laid up with a 3-wood and then executed a precise from 85 yards to four feet, tapping in for bogey 5, a score he knew would suffice given the leaders' positions. In a personal reflection, North later described the moment as one of calculated conservatism, noting, "I didn't need par; bogey would win it," highlighting his mental composure under the weight of a Sunday. This victory, his second PGA Tour win following the 1977 Westchester Classic, marked North as the first native to claim the U.S. Open title. North's second U.S. Open triumph came in 1985 at in , where he shot 70-65-70-74 for 279 (-1), edging out Dave Barr, Tze-Chung Chen, and Denis Watson by one stroke at 280. Plagued by back injuries that limited his play—he had not won since 1978—North arrived after missing the cut the prior week but adapted quickly to the "Monster" course's punishing rough and lightning-fast greens, exacerbated by variable weather including rain delays in the opening round. His preparation involved minimal practice upon arrival, flying in just days before and focusing on course management to avoid the severe penalties for errant shots, a strategy honed from his 1978 experience. The final round featured a dramatic comeback amid chaos, as leader Chen, holding a two-stroke advantage, suffered a infamous double-chip on the fifth hole—known as the "double chip" incident—derailing his round and opening the door for North, who trailed by four at that point. North steadied with a birdie-free 37 on the front nine, then birdied the 11th to take the lead, only to face pressure on the closing holes; he saved par with a brilliant sand shot from a greenside on the 17th and intentionally played conservatively on the par-4 18th, settling for bogey after a wayward drive to seal the win. Reflecting on the victory, North recounted the relief of overcoming seven injury-plagued years, stating it felt like "a blast from the past" given the parallels to his steady 1978 performance. These back-to-back U.S. Open successes, seven years apart, established North as one of only 21 golfers in the championship's history to win multiple titles as of 2017, underscoring his resilience and affinity for the event's rigors.

Results Timeline

Andy North's performances in the major championships demonstrated early promise and contention, particularly in the U.S. Open, where he showed steady improvement with finishes of T12 in 1975 and T14 in 1976 leading up to his 1978 victory. Following that win, he maintained competitive form with additional top-10 results in the U.S. Open during the early 1980s, culminating in his second title in 1985. However, persistent back injuries limited his participation and success thereafter, resulting in fewer appearances and no further top-10 finishes after 1985. As a two-time U.S. Open champion, North held a lifetime exemption to the event, allowing his final appearance in 1995, where he missed the cut. His best results outside the U.S. Open included a fourth-place finish in the 1975 PGA Championship and a tie for 12th in the 1979 Masters Tournament. The following table summarizes North's known finishes in the major championships where he made the cut (withdrawals, disqualifications, and missed cuts are not included in the source data, and he did not play in many majors after 1990 due to injuries). Top-10 finishes are bolded for emphasis.
YearU.S. Open
1974T39 (291, +11)
1975T12 (291, +7)4 (281, +1)
1976T37 (298, +10)T14 (289, +9)T49 (294, +14)
1977T24 (288, E)
1978T32 (291, +3)1 (285, +1)T42 (293, +9)
1979T12 (287, -1)T11 (293, +9)
1980T24 (288, E)T8 (282, +2)T45 (292, +8)T15 (289, +9)
1981T43 (290, +10)T11 (280, E)
1982T22 (292, +4)T70 (294, +14)
1983T30 (294, +6)T10 (292, +8)
1984T41 (293, +5)
19851 (279, -1)
198667 (302, +22)
1988T36 (298, +10)T48 (294, +10)
1989T58 (291, +3)
1990T27 (292, +4)T51 (292, +4)T39 (285, -3)
1991T37 (295, +7)
North's pre-1978 U.S. Open results showed steady improvement, with top-15 finishes in 1975 and 1976 establishing him as a contender on firm, fast courses suited to his accurate ball-striking style. Post-1978, he remained in major contention through the mid-1980s, highlighted by three more U.S. Open top-10s, but injuries curtailed his schedule after 1985, leading to sporadic appearances and mid-pack finishes in his later years. He never withdrew from a major during his career based on available records, and his limited outings reflected challenges adapting to links play.

Summary

Andy North's major championship record is defined by two U.S. Open victories in 1978 and 1985, with no wins in the other three majors, reflecting a career hampered by persistent injuries despite early promise. Over his professional tenure, he amassed five top-10 finishes across all majors, including four in the U.S. Open and one in the . His best performances by major include first-place finishes in the U.S. Open (1978 at and 1985 at ), a fourth-place in the 1975 , a tied-12th in the 1979 , and a tied-39th in the . In comparison to peers, North's two major titles place him among an elite group of 21 men who have won the U.S. Open multiple times, surpassing players like , , , and —who each have fewer than two U.S. Open wins—though his overall record of just three victories underscores how injuries curtailed broader success against contemporaries like and Tom Watson, who praised his potential. These U.S. Open triumphs form the cornerstone of his legacy as a resilient competitor in golf's toughest test, elevating him as the only Wisconsinite to claim the title and inspiring reflections on the event's enduring prestige. Post-retirement, North has frequently reflected on his major achievements in interviews, emphasizing the U.S. Open's unique challenges and the physical demands that defined his career, as seen in his 2025 comments on the 1978 victory at Cherry Hills, where he highlighted the course's quality and his satisfaction with overcoming adversity to secure the win. He has noted the event's role in his identity, stating that winning it twice amid injuries remains his greatest accomplishment, a sentiment echoed in discussions of his transition to and charitable work. As detailed in his results timeline, North's major appearances spanned 1974 to 1995, with consistent contention in the U.S. Open underscoring his specialized strength in that event.

Additional Tournament Results

The Players Championship

Andy North debuted in in 1974, the tournament's inaugural year, and went on to make multiple appearances over his career. The event, held annually at various venues until settling at in 1982, featured strong fields and is frequently regarded as a "fifth major" due to its prestige and $25 million purse in recent years. North's participation spanned from the early days at to the Stadium Course era, reflecting his status as a consistent tour professional. His best finish came in 1978 at Inverrary Country Club, where he tied for fourth place behind winner , showcasing his competitive edge in a year that also included his first U.S. Open victory. In that event, North carded rounds of 74-71-73-71 for a total of 289 (+1), tying with several notables and earning significant prize money amid a field that included top players like and Tom Watson. This performance highlighted his accuracy off the tee and putting prowess, key to his major success. North made the cut in a majority of his appearances, with trends showing stronger results in the late 1970s and mid-1980s following his U.S. Open wins, though injuries later affected his consistency. Notable rounds included a 69 in the second round of the 1987 edition at , contributing to a finish despite a final-round 74. Overall, he competed in 23 editions of the tournament through 1994, demonstrating resilience in one of the tour's flagship events.

Other Notable Performances

North's sole non-major victory on the came at the 1977 American Express Westchester Classic, where he finished two strokes ahead of the field at in . This win marked a breakthrough in his professional career, following several years of establishing himself on the tour after turning pro in 1972. In other major championships, North achieved strong contention early in his career, including a fourth-place finish at the 1975 at , where he shot a final-round 65 to climb the leaderboard and end three strokes behind winner . He also posted a tie for 12th at the 1979 at Augusta National, carding a final-round 69 to join a group just six strokes off the pace set by . These performances highlighted his precision and composure in high-stakes settings beyond the U.S. Open. North demonstrated consistency across his 507 PGA Tour starts, accumulating 50 top-10 finishes, including 24 in the top five, which underscored his reliability in key events despite chronic injuries that limited his win total. One such highlight was his victory in the 1990 , an invitational event for recent major champions, where he outplayed competitors like and at Kemper Lakes Golf Club with a score of 70. On the , which North joined in 2000, he competed in 89 events with 10 top-10 finishes, including a runner-up result at the 2001 Emerald Coast Classic after losing a playoff to Mike McCullough. His sole official win came in the 2008 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, a team event where he partnered with Tom Watson to secure the title. North continued selective appearances into the , maintaining competitive form in senior events while focusing increasingly on broadcasting and course design. In recent years, he has hosted charity exhibitions, such as the 2025 AmFam Championship Celebrity Foursome on June 7, blending his competitive legacy with philanthropy.

References

  1. https://www.andynorth.com/about.html
  2. https://victory.usopen.com/content/usga/home-page/about/andy-north.html
  3. https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions/player/01878/andy-north
  4. https://www.sanfordinternational.com/news/greats-of-the-game/
  5. https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/about/andy-north.html
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/19/archives/they-know-andy-north-now.html
  7. https://onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/triple-threat/
  8. https://www.hngnews.com/mcfarland_thistle/sports/monona-native-andy-north-remembers-golfing-influences/article_8e9bfc9c-456d-11e7-8b04-079baf563134.html
  9. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/golf/2017-us-open/2017/06/11/andy-north-overcame-injuries-win-u-s-open-twice/387215001/
  10. https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/north_andy/
  11. https://www.pga.com/archive/andy-north-overcame-injuries-win-two-us-opens
  12. https://www.espnpressroom.com/us/bios/north_andy/
  13. https://www.wruf.com/headlines/2020/06/17/gator-great-andy-north-talks-golf-career-pga-tour-and-more/
  14. https://www.jou.ufl.edu/2024/06/19/florida-gators-golf-us-open-history/
  15. https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-gators/news/gators-golf-team-wins-sec-championship/
  16. https://www.wihalloffame.com/andy-north
  17. https://wsga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/wsga20/event/wsga2065/champions.htm
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1971/08/03/archives/north-wins-western-golf.html
  19. https://www.pgatour.com/player/01878/andy-north
  20. http://www.andynorthandfriends.com/our-story
  21. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/05/15/A-healthy-Andy-North-reviving-his-PGA-career/7029642744000/
  22. https://www.where2golf.com/whos-who/andy-north/
  23. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2019/12/pga-grand-slam-of-golf.html
  24. https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/golf-watson-and-north-win-legends/
  25. https://www.republicaneagle.com/news/madisons-north-wins-first-golf-tourney-in-25-years/article_8c4a41e0-700e-5195-8fbc-ef2e59fd062d.html
  26. https://www.espn.com/golfonline/tours/s/2000/0319/435429.html
  27. https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2007/04/22/watson-north-win-raphael-division-third-straight-year/13805030007/
  28. https://www.espn.co.uk/golf/news/story/_/id/3368053
  29. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/andy-north-champions-tour-2021-american-family-insurance
  30. https://www.espn.com/golfonline/tours/s/2001/0325/1161851.html
  31. https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/sports/pga/2023/12/07/in-bradenton-for-world-champions-cup-ex-player-turned-analyst-andy-north-at-home-behind-espn-mic/71834966007/
  32. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2013/07/transcript-of-espn-open-championship-media-conference-call-3/
  33. https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2025/05/change-to-espn-announcer-lineup-for-pga-championship/
  34. https://wsga.org/about-us/hall-of-fame/
  35. https://gatorfclub.org/hall-of-fame/greats
  36. http://www.andynorthandfriends.com/
  37. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/results/player/john-mahaffey/?order_by=prize_money
  38. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2020/05/1985-ryder-cup.html
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/1985/09/16/sports/europeans-defeat-us-in-ryder-cup.html
  40. https://www.todays-golfer.com/news-and-events/ryder-cup/how-the-1985-match-changed-everything/
  41. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1978-us-open.html
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMmvXoEucpc
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/1978/06/19/archives/new-jersey-pages-north-wins-us-open-by-shot-on-74-for-285-north.html
  44. https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/14/sports/leader-s-double-eagle-is-first-ever-in-85-open.html
  45. https://www.csmonitor.com/1985/0621/pnorth-f.html/%28page%29/r-top-nslr
  46. http://www.golfmajorchampionships.com/players/134
  47. https://www.liveabout.com/1995-us-open-pavin-comes-through-in-the-clutch-1564998
  48. https://www.denvergazette.com/2025/06/11/andy-north-reflects-on-1978-u-s-open-win-at-cherry-hills-which-would-love-a-ryder-cup-golf-insider-f0890a2b-401c-4039-bcf2-54f9de359247/
  49. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1975-pga-championship.html
  50. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1979-masters-tournament.html
  51. https://victory.usopen.com/2017/articles/north_s-due--two-time-winner-welcomes-u-s--open-to-his-home-stat.html
  52. https://amfamchampionship.com/news/three-new-celebrities-join-andy-north-for-9-hole-charity-exhibition-at-amfam-champ-june-7/
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