Andy North Bio
Andrew Stewart North (born March 9, 1950) is an American professional golfer best remembered for capturing the U.S. Open on two occasions. He won three events in total on the PGA Tour, two of them majors, a record that places him among the more distinctive major champions in the history of American golf. Since 1992, North has worked as a golf analyst for ESPN, where he is recognized for his detailed on-course reporting and major-championship preview segments.
Early Life and Background
Andy North was born in Thorp, Wisconsin, and raised in the nearby village of Monona. He grew up in a small-town Midwestern setting and developed his game on local courses before reaching competitive junior golf. North attended Monona Grove High School, graduating in 1968. While still in high school, he reached the final match of the Wisconsin State Amateur Match Play Championship at Merrill Hills Country Club, where he finished as runner-up.
Two years later, North won the 1969 Wisconsin State Amateur Championship at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin, defeating Archie Dadian in the match-play final. The victory signaled his arrival as one of the top amateur players in the state and helped him attract attention from college recruiters across the region.
Path to Golf
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, where he developed into one of the top collegiate players in the country. North was a three-time first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection and earned All-American honors in 1970, 1971, and 1972.
North graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1972. He was later inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great,” honoring both his academic and athletic contributions. That same year, he turned professional and joined the PGA Tour.
Andy North Career
Early Career (1972–1977)
North turned professional in 1972 and began competing on the PGA Tour. Although his early years on tour were moderately successful, he steadily built the experience and course-management skills that would later define his career. He developed into a steady, strategic player known for his composure under pressure.
The first PGA Tour win of North’s career came at the 1977 American Express Westchester Classic, establishing him as a tournament winner at the highest level. The victory gave him the confidence and credibility needed to compete in the following season’s major championships.
U.S. Open Breakthrough (1978–1985)
In 1978, North won the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. He moved into the lead after the second round and held a one-shot advantage going into Sunday’s final round. An erratic final round left him needing to make a five on the last hole to win, and he found the rough twice before landing in a greenside bunker. From there, he made a four-foot putt to win by one stroke over J. C. Snead and Dave Stockton.
At the 1985 U.S. Open, played on the South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, North trailed Chen Tze-chung of Taiwan by two shots entering the final round. The lead changed hands several times between North, Chen, Denis Watson, Payne Stewart, and Dave Barr. North carried a two-shot lead into the 18th hole, and his closing bogey five was enough to deliver his second U.S. Open title.
Champions Tour Era (2000–Present)
Since turning 50 in 2000, North has played intermittently on the Champions Tour, balancing his playing schedule with his broadcasting duties. His best finish at the senior level came at the 2008 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, which he won. He has remained a respected figure among senior competitors while continuing his long-running role at ESPN.
Notable Events and Milestones
North played on the 1985 Ryder Cup team, representing the United States in one of the most prestigious team events in golf. In 1990, he won the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, a victory that brought together the reigning major champions. He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great” in recognition of his collegiate career.
Andy North Career Wins
Andy North recorded three PGA Tour victories during his playing career, two of which came in the U.S. Open. His major-championship success remains the defining feature of his competitive record, while additional appearances on the Champions Tour added to his overall résumé.
U.S. Open Highlights
North won the U.S. Open in 1978 at Cherry Hills Country Club and again in 1985 at Oakland Hills Country Club. He is one of a small group of players to win the same major twice, and both of his U.S. Open titles came after tense final-hole finishes.
Other Wins and Performances
North captured the 1977 American Express Westchester Classic, his first PGA Tour title, and won the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in 1990. He also won the 2008 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf on the Champions Tour and recorded a South American Tour victory during his career.
Andy North Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Andy North’s parents and immediate family background is limited. He was raised in Thorp and Monona, Wisconsin, and his early development as a golfer took place in the local courses and amateur circuits of the state.
Personal Life
Andy North resides in Madison, Wisconsin. He has been associated with the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a “Gator Great,” reflecting his long-standing ties to his alma mater.
2025 Season Performance
Andy North is not an active competitor on a major tour in 2025, having transitioned primarily to broadcasting following his professional playing career. His Champions Tour appearances have become intermittent, and he has focused on his role as a lead on-course reporter and analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports.
North’s broadcasting work in 2025 continues to feature detailed major-championship preview shows and on-course reporting at the biggest events of the year. His segments remain a regular part of ESPN’s golf coverage, where he is paired with host Scott Van Pelt and other contributors.
While North occasionally steps in as a substitute analyst for Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball radio broadcasts, his primary professional commitment in 2025 remains his longtime position with ESPN. He continues to be regarded as one of the network’s most respected voices in golf.