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Jerry McGee
Jerry McGee
Jerry McGee
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Jerry McGee (July 21, 1943 – March 31, 2021) was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.

Key Information

Career

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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.[1] 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

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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.[2][3]

McGee died March 29, 2021, in Florida at the age of 77.[4]

Professional wins (5)

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PGA Tour wins (4)

[edit]
No. Date Tournament Winning score Margin of
victory		 Runner(s)-up
1 Apr 20, 1975 Pensacola Open −13 (69-66-66-70=271) 2 strokes United States Wally Armstrong
2 Jul 31, 1977 IVB-Philadelphia Golf Classic −12 (70-68-65-69=272) 4 strokes New Zealand John Lister, Australia Bob Shearer
3 Jun 3, 1979 Kemper Open −16 (61-74-69-68=272) 1 stroke United States Jerry Pate
4 Aug 12, 1979 Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open −17 (68-67-67-65=267) 1 stroke United States Jack Renner

PGA Tour playoff record (0–1)

No. Year Tournament Opponent Result
1 1976 World Open Golf Championship United States Raymond Floyd Lost to birdie on first extra hole

Source:[5]

Other wins (1)

[edit]
  • 1982 Tri-State Open

Results in major championships

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Tournament 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
Masters Tournament T5 CUT T15 T28 T11 CUT CUT
U.S. Open T69 T13 T40 CUT T30 CUT T19 T27 T31
PGA Championship T22 T29 T66 T55 T40 T8 T6 DQ T12 CUT

Note: McGee never played in The Open Championship

  Top 10
  Did not play

CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place
DQ = disqualified

U.S. national team appearances

[edit]

Professional

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jerry McGee

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jerry McGee (July 21, 1943 – March 31, 2021) was an American professional golfer who competed on the from 1967 to 1983 and later on the from 1993 to 2005. Born in , he turned professional in 1966 after a standout amateur career that included setting a course record at age 15, and he earned full exempt status in 1971. McGee made 404 starts on the , where he secured four victories, and participated in 26 major championships with three top-10 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the 1972 . McGee's most notable achievements included winning the 1975 Pensacola Open, the 1977 IVB-Philadelphia Golf Classic, the 1979 Kemper Open, and the 1979 Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open, with two triumphs in his standout 1979 season that placed him among the tour's top 18 money winners. He represented the United States on the victorious 1977 Ryder Cup team at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in England, a highlight he later described as "the greatest thrill of my life" outside of his family. Known for his exceptional short game, McGee overcame health challenges, including a 1981 retirement due to hypoglycemia and a 1999 cancer diagnosis followed by surgery and radiation, yet he made 318 starts on the senior tour, earning more than $3.2 million and achieving five top-three finishes. After leaving the , McGee served as director of golf at Oak Tree Country Club in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, from 1981 to 1993 and was named Tri-State PGA Teacher of the Year in 1982. He was posthumously inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2023 and recognized in the Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. McGee, who was married to Jill and had three children—including son Mike, married to golf legend Annika Sörenstam—passed away in shortly after relocating there to be closer to family.

Early years

Early life

Jerry McGee was born on July 21, 1943, in New Lexington, Ohio. He was the son of Alva Theron McGee and Verna McGee. McGee grew up in New Lexington, where he developed an early interest in sports, participating in and football. His introduction to golf came later in his youth, following his parents' divorce and his mother's remarriage to a club professional at Perry Country Club. At age 14, McGee's interest was sparked after attending the Rubber City Open at Firestone Country Club with friends, an experience that inspired his pursuit of the sport. By age 15, he had become a proficient golfer, setting a course record with a 7-under-par 65 to win the Southern Ohio Jaycee Junior tournament. McGee attended on a golf scholarship, where he was a member of the Buckeyes' golf team.

Amateur career

McGee developed his skills during his youth in , achieving early success by winning the Southern Ohio Jaycee Junior tournament at age 15 with a course-record 7-under-par 65. He was also runner-up in the Ohio and high school state championships. This accomplishment highlighted his potential and paved the way for his collegiate opportunities. He attended on a and competed as a member of the Buckeye golf team in the mid-1960s, where he honed his game under competitive conditions. Although specific individual awards from his college tenure are not prominently documented, his participation contributed to his preparation for professional-level play. Following his amateur career, McGee turned professional in 1966, qualifying for the and making his debut the following year.

PGA Tour career

Professional debut and development

Jerry McGee turned professional in 1966 after completing his collegiate career at Ohio State University, where he had competed successfully in amateur events. That same year, he qualified for the PGA Tour through the Qualifying School, gaining initial entry into professional competition. McGee officially joined the PGA Tour in 1967, beginning a career marked by initial challenges in establishing consistency. Without full exempt status until 1972—earned through his performance in the 1971 season, including a tie for 13th at the U.S. Open, which contributed to his placement on the money list—he relied on Monday qualifiers, sponsor exemptions, and limited starts to build experience, navigating the competitive pressures of the tour's early years. These hurdles tested his resilience, as he worked to refine his game amid the demands of professional play. Over his tenure, McGee amassed 404 starts and earned $871,753 in official prize money, reflecting steady progression to his peak in the late . Nagging injuries and health concerns, including , increasingly affected his performance, leading to his retirement from full-time competition in 1981.

PGA Tour victories

Jerry McGee secured his first PGA Tour victory at the 1975 Pensacola Open, held from April 17-20 at Pensacola Country Club in . He finished at 13-under-par 271 with rounds of 69-66-66-70, edging out Wally Armstrong and by two strokes to claim the $25,000 first-place prize after nine years on tour. This breakthrough win marked a turning point, ending a long drought and boosting his confidence on the circuit. His second triumph came at the 1977 IVB-Philadelphia Golf Classic, played July 28-31 at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. McGee posted a 12-under-par 272 (70-68-65-69), including a strong third-round 65, to win by four strokes over Bob Shearer and John Lister, earning $40,000. Notable competitors included established players like Tom Kite and J.C. Snead, who contended but faded in the final rounds, highlighting McGee's steady performance under pressure. In 1979, McGee captured the from May 31 to June 3 at in . He opened with a course-record 61 before rounds of 74-69-68, finishing at 16-under-par 272 to defeat by one stroke after Pate's bogey on the 17th in the final round. This victory, his third on tour, propelled him into a hot streak. Just two months later, McGee won the -Greater Hartford Open, held August 9-12 at Wethersfield Country Club in , achieving back-to-back victories for the year. He closed with a final-round birdie on the 71st hole to finish at 17-under-par 267, one stroke ahead of Jack Renner and securing $54,000. These successes elevated him to 11th on the money list with $152,400 in earnings. Beyond the PGA Tour, McGee claimed the 1982 Tri-State Open, a professional event in the Tri-State PGA Section covering , , and parts of . He won the tournament, hosted that year in the section's jurisdiction, adding to his regional accolades during a transitional phase in his career.

Major championship results

Jerry McGee competed in 26 major championships throughout his PGA Tour career, achieving three top-10 finishes but never contending for a victory. His performances highlighted his consistency in high-stakes events, though he faced challenges with course conditions and occasional poor rounds that prevented deeper runs. McGee's major appearances spanned from 1971 to 1983, primarily in the U.S.-based tournaments, reflecting the travel and qualification barriers of the era for American players. McGee's best major result came in his debut at the 1972 at , where he finished tied for fifth at 2-over-par 290. His round-by-round scores were 73-74-71-72, placing him four strokes behind winner (286) and ahead of notable competitors like (T6 at 291) and (T8). This strong showing in windy conditions established McGee as a rising talent early in his exempt status. At the 1977 held at , McGee tied for sixth with a total of 286 (4-over par), seven strokes behind champion (279). He started strongly with 68-70 to sit two shots off the lead after 36 holes but faltered with a third-round 77 amid firm greens and variable coastal winds, rebounding with a 71 in the final round to secure his position alongside Tom Watson and . This finish marked one of his career top-10s in majors. McGee's other notable major performance was a tied for 13th at the 1971 U.S. Open at , shooting 286 (6-over par) with rounds of 72-67-77-70 to finish five strokes behind co-winners and (281). Positioned in contention after a second-round 67 that vaulted him to tied third at 1-under 139, he struggled in the third round with a 77 due to Merion's demanding bunkering and rough, dropping back before a steady final-round 70. This result earned him entry into the following year's Masters. McGee also recorded a top-10 in the 1976 at , tying for fifth at 284 (4-under par) with rounds of 68-72-72-72, six strokes behind winner (278). He did not participate in at any point in his career, as he never qualified through prior major finishes or world rankings, a common occurrence for mid-tier American pros prioritizing domestic events due to travel demands. Overall, McGee made the cut in the majority of his 26 major starts, though exact figures are not comprehensively documented; his three top-10 finishes (T5 in 1972 Masters, T5 in 1976 PGA, T6 in 1977 PGA) underscored his potential in majors without a win. These results contributed to his selection for the team, bridging his individual achievements with team success.

Ryder Cup appearance

Jerry McGee earned selection to the 1977 team through his strong performance that season, highlighted by his victory at the IVB-Philadelphia Classic. This marked his only appearance in the biennial competition, representing the U.S. alongside captain and teammates including , Tom Watson, and . The took place from September 16 to 18 at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in , , pitting the U.S. against a combined and squad captained by Brian Huggett. McGee competed in two matches: partnering with in the opening session on Friday, where they defeated Neil Coles and Peter Dawson by 1 up after rallying from two holes down with birdies on the final three holes; and in the Sunday singles, where he fell to Peter Oosterhuis by 2 up. His 1–1 record contributed 1 point to the U.S. total, helping secure a 12½–7½ victory that retained the cup for America. In preparation, McGee drew on his recent form, including top-10 finishes in several events leading into the Cup, to integrate with the star-studded team. He later described the experience as the pinnacle of his career outside of family life, noting the camaraderie and intensity of team play on foreign soil.

Later career

Champions Tour participation

Jerry McGee debuted on the Senior (now known as the ) in 1993 upon reaching age 50 eligibility. His best finish came in 1997 at the Classic, where he tied for second place, two strokes behind winner after birdies on the final two holes denied McGee the victory; the event was held at Nashawtuc Country Club in . Over his senior career, McGee made 318 starts without recording a , but achieved 29 top-10 finishes, including five top-three results, and amassed $3,269,405 in across 12 seasons. He finished in the top 25 on the money list in 1995, 1996, and 1997, highlighting his competitive consistency early in his senior tenure. McGee's participation tapered after 1999 due to treatment for , though he continued selective starts into the before health limitations curtailed his schedule.

Retirement activities

Following his retirement from the in 1981, Jerry McGee assumed the role of director of golf at Oak Tree in West , . In this capacity, he managed daily golf operations, including course maintenance, member services, and administrative responsibilities, contributing to the club's overall functionality for 12 years. McGee's position at allowed him to stay engaged with the sport through oversight of club activities and support for recreational play, shifting focus from competition to operational leadership. In 1993, he left the directorship to join the , marking a transition back to professional competition while drawing on his club experience.

Personal life

Family connections

Jerry McGee was married to Jill McGee, with whom he shared a long partnership that included relocating to in later years to stay close to family. The couple had three children: son Mike McGee, daughter Roxane Love-McGee, and daughter Michelle McGee, who is married to Mark Riley. McGee's son Mike, born in 1974, grew up immersed in , traveling with his father on the circuit during McGee's active years until Mike was eight in 1982. This family involvement provided essential support amid the demands of tournament travel and career commitments, fostering a household centered on the sport. Mike later pursued his own path in golf, though not at the level of his father. In 2009, Mike McGee married legend Annika Sörenstam, a union that bridged two generations of elite achievement and extended the McGee family's legacy across the PGA and Tours. The couple has two children, son Will McGee and daughter Ava McGee, with Will showing early promise as an avid young er who has joined his mother in events like the . This connection has created a multi-generational golfing dynasty, with Jerry McGee's influence evident in his grandchildren's exposure to the game. No other immediate family members pursued professional sports careers, though the household's shared passion for golf, instilled by McGee, motivated his personal drive throughout his playing days.

Health challenges and death

McGee encountered significant health obstacles that influenced his professional trajectory. In 1981, he retired from the PGA Tour after being sidelined by hypoglycemia, a blood sugar deficiency that induced fatigue and dizziness, hindering his ability to complete rounds. Nearly two decades later, in December 1998, McGee noticed a lump on his , prompting tests that revealed malignant tumors on the left side of his and the base of his . Diagnosed in early 1999 at age 55, he underwent surgery on March 24, 1999, at the Montefiore Cancer Institute in to excise the tumors, followed by 6½ weeks of . The cancer battle profoundly affected McGee's senior career, yet he demonstrated resilience by returning to the just four months post-treatment. He competed in 130 additional events through 2004, though the ordeal left lasting physical tolls that limited his later participation. In his final years, McGee grappled with escalating health complications that kept him largely housebound and required even before the . He relocated from to , weeks before his death to be nearer to family. McGee passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021, at age 77, after a swift decline from multiple brewing complications. His son, Mike McGee, noted the family's gratitude for being able to gather and say goodbyes during this time. The golf community mourned McGee's loss through official remembrances, with the highlighting his perseverance as a "true gentleman of the game" and his enduring contributions despite adversities.

References

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  2. https://www.ohiogolf.org/hall_of_fame/inductees/jerry-mcgee
  3. https://www.wpga.org/nws/2023/231102-jerry-mcgee-hof.html
  4. https://www.vindy.com/sports/local-sports/2021/04/former-pro-golfer-east-palestines-mcgee-dies-at-77/
  5. https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions/player/01786/jerry-mcgee
  6. https://www.vindy.com/obituaries/2021/05/jerry-l-mcgee-1943-2021/
  7. https://www.usatodayhss.com/2012/mcgee-headlines-zdga-hall-of-fame-class
  8. https://www.morningjournalnews.com/obituaries/2021/04/jerry-mcgee/
  9. https://ohiogolfjournal.com/ohio-loses-a-golf-legend/
  10. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1971-us-open.html
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1975/04/21/archives/mcgee-finally-scores-in-golf-mcgee-wins-first-time-in-golf-tour.html
  12. https://ultimate70s.com/golfer/mcgeeje01
  13. https://www.morningjournalnews.com/sports/local-sports/2021/04/mcgee-shared-love-of-golf/
  14. https://www.where2golf.com/golf-tournaments/results/year/1977/?event_type=01-Men
  15. https://ultimate70s.com/seventies_history/19770731/golf/1
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/04/archives/mcgee-triumphs-by-stroke-on-68272-bogey-on-17th-hurts-pate-birthday.html
  17. https://travelerschampionship.com/tournament-history/
  18. https://www.espn.com/golfonline/tours/s/2000/0626/605285.html
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/15/archives/mcgee-with-64267-wins-golf-by-stroke-highs-and-lows.html
  20. https://tristatepga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/tristatepga21/event/tristatepga2112/champions.htm
  21. https://www.reviewonline.com/sports/local-sports/2020/04/mcgee-stays-as-close-to-the-game-as-he-can/
  22. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1972-masters-tournament.html
  23. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/11/1977-pga-championship.html
  24. https://www.pebblebeach.com/insidepebblebeach/5-fun-facts-about-the-1977-pga-championship/
  25. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2018/10/1976-pga-championship.html
  26. https://www.salemnews.net/sports/local-sports/2020/04/mcgee-stays-as-close-to-the-game-as-he-can/
  27. https://www.golfcompendium.com/2019/05/1977-ryder-cup.html
  28. https://www.rydercup.com/history
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/09/16/archives/us-leading-britain-in-ryder-cup-golf-americans-lead-british-3-1-in.html
  30. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/08/04/seniors-bankboston-classic/34feb8b0-52d7-4b30-a277-d3db24cd6ddd/
  31. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/07/15/cancer-survivor-mcgee-ready-to-roll/
  32. https://www.vindy.com/sports/local-sports/2021/04/former-pro-golfer-east-palestines-mcgee-dies-at-77
  33. https://www.golfwrx.com/556650/my-chat-with-a-champion-long-after-her-competitive-days-annika-continues-to-strongly-influence-the-game/
  34. https://www.essentiallysports.com/golf-news-who-is-annika-sorenstams-husband-everything-to-know-about-thirteen-year-old-will-mcgees-dad/
  35. https://www.golfdigest.com/story/20090110sorenstam_mcgee
  36. https://linksmagazine.com/annika-sorenstam-still-cooking/
  37. https://progolfweekly.com/family-affair-annika-sorenstam-credits-husband-kids-after-blowout-usga-victory/
  38. https://thecompanyofdads.com/podcasts/married-life-with-a-world-famous-athlete/
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/24/sports/plus-golf-cancer-surgery-for-mcgee.html
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