On June 27, 1970, the Houston Cougars Golf Team won national title #12 at the Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio.
UH was three shots back entering the final round but shot 68-73-71-75 (287, -1) to win by ten over Wake Forest (74-74-74-78, 300). Cougar John Mahaffey won the individual NCAA title by a shot over Wake’s Lanny Wadkins.
Mahaffey entered the final round at even par and five shots behind Wadkins, but a four-under 68 in the final round propelled him to victory. Mahaffey’s round was the lowest of the day and the second-lowest of the week.
Mahaffey made early birdies at 2, 4, 5 (on a chip-in), and #6 to make up six shots in the first six holes. Mahaffey chipped in again at #16 for birdie, but Wadkins matched him to stay within one. Mahaffey then made a tricky downhill eight-footer for par at 17 and hit it inside five feet on 18 to secure the win.
In challenging conditions, where 18 players shot 80 or higher, Mahaffey also held off Tom Kite from Texas, Florida’s Andy North, and Tom Watson of Stanford. A week earlier, Mahaffey tied for low amateur at the US Open. He credits his final round playing partner, Lee Trevino, for helping him regain his confidence in time for the NCAAs.
“I won three tournaments for Houston last year, but then I sorta got down,” Mahaffey said. “This is the first tournament I’ve won this year. Lee Trevino, I guarantee, helped me more than anything in the world.”
UH’s Corker Deloach finished tied for seventh.
1970 was Dave Williams’ sixth national title in seven years. In 17 years, from 1956-1972, Houston won 12 titles and finished runner-up four times, the most dominant run in the sport’s history.
Inconceivable at the time, 1970 would be the last national title for seven years.
