Billy Mayfair

Since turning pro in 1988 Billy Mayfair has enjoyed steady success. For his first sixteen years on Tour he finished in the top-125 on the Money List and compiled five wins. 2004 was a disappointment as he finished 140th on the Money List. His “mere” $503,251 in earnings was plenty to live on but not enough to make it back for another year. Unsatisfied with finishing 254th in the World Golf Rankings, Mayfair used his top-50th all time earnings exemption to get back onto tour in 2005 and try to turn things around.

By the end of 2004 Mayfair’s unorthodox outside-in putting stroke and diminished confidence had done it’s damage. He was ranked 193rd in putting average with 1.829 strokes per round and was desperate for improvement. Close friend and fellow Arizona State grad, Phil Mickelson, encouraged him to see swing coach Rick Smith. Smith challenged Mayfair to try out a belly-putter and he finally did after shooting a third-round 81 at the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. “Have you got a belly putter in there?” asked Mayfair as he passed someone selling clubs after the Greensboro event. He did and Mayfair bought it for $15.

Until 2005 Mayfair was a favorite target of commentators regarding his putting stroke. Sports psychologist Bob Rotella was one of the only supporters of his unorthodox approach. Rotella encouraged Mayfair to get back to trusting his swing in the late 90’s. Mayfair followed his advice and captured the 1998 Nissan Open in a playoff over Tiger Woods. Unfortunately his poor mechanics prevented him from having consistent success on the greens.

Through hard work and a few swing tweaks Mayfair has capitalized on his opportunity to continue playing this year. Mayfair is well into the top-50 in the money list with $1,941,965 for 28th place. Mayfair moved up 177 places in the Official World Golf Ranking to 77th place.

It is not as if Mayfair doesn’t know how to swing a club. In 2001 he set the PGA Tour nine-hole scoring record with a 9-under 27 at the Buick Open. He finished round four in this event with an impressive 61. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the win but it was good enough to finish T14. His performance included a new record 8 consecutive holes under-par. He had one eagle and seven consecutive birdies.

Mayfair attended Arizona State University and was the Sun Devil’s first four-time All-American. He was the first golfer to win both the U.S. Public Links (1986) and U.S. Amateur (1987).

Billy’s putting average is currently at 1.771 strokes per hole, good enough for 59th place. His driving accuracy percentage is at 71.3 for 12th and he is 7th in GIR. His PGA Tour “All-Around Ranking is currently 3rd. Mayfair’s statistics are quite impressive and the key to his dramatic improvement.

It would be great to see Mayfair pull out a win by season’s end. His last victory came at the 1998 Buick Open, a year he won twice. His sudden improvement certainly gives him a shot at being the PGA Tour’s comeback player of the year. Look for Mayfair’s new approach and confidence to continue to propel him to the top of tournaments.

Further Reading
Cody Thrasher talked about Mayfair’s 2005 resurgence in an August installment of Thrash Talk.

Photo Credit: © Jeff Gross/Getty Images.