Billy Mayfair Bio
William Fred Mayfair, known professionally as Billy Mayfair, is an American professional golfer born on August 6, 1966, in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour, highlighted by his victory at the 1995 Tour Championship, and currently competes on the PGA Tour Champions. A former Haskins Award recipient, Mayfair is also recognized for holding a unique place in PGA Tour history as the only player to defeat Tiger Woods in a playoff.
Standing 175 cm tall and weighing 88 kg, Mayfair has competed professionally since 1988 and has been a consistent presence in American professional golf for more than three decades. He is a graduate of Arizona State University and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished golfers to emerge from the Phoenix area.
Early Life and Background
William Fred Mayfair was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1966 and grew up in the warm climate of the American Southwest, where he took up golf at a young age. Before his fifteenth birthday, he had already won numerous junior golf tournaments, establishing himself as one of the most promising young players in the country. In 1981, he was featured on the cover of Boys’ Life magazine, which described him as “golf’s junior hotshot,” a fitting introduction for a player who would soon rise through the amateur ranks.
His early success in junior tournaments drew the attention of college golf programs, and he eventually committed to Arizona State University, one of the most respected golf programs in the United States. While at Arizona State, Mayfair played on the university’s golf team and continued to develop his game against elite amateur competition. His upbringing in Phoenix and his formative years playing competitive junior golf in Arizona laid the foundation for a career that would eventually span both amateur and professional tours.
Path to Professional Golf
Mayfair’s amateur career reached its peak during his time at Arizona State University, where he earned a reputation as one of the top collegiate players in the nation. In 1986, he won the U.S. Amateur Public Links, a significant victory that signaled his arrival on the national amateur stage. The following year, he captured the 1987 U.S. Amateur, defeating University of Tennessee graduate Eric Rebmann 4 and 3 in the final match, cementing his status as one of the best amateurs in the country.
That same year, Mayfair was honored with the 1987 Haskins Award, presented to the nation’s top collegiate golfer. The award recognized his consistent excellence during the 1986-87 collegiate season and confirmed his standing among the elite amateur players of his generation. After completing his amateur career with two major USGA titles and the Haskins Award, Mayfair turned professional in 1988, ready to test himself against the world’s best players on the PGA Tour.
Billy Mayfair Career
Early Career (1988-1994)
Billy Mayfair turned professional in 1988 and quickly adapted to the demands of the PGA Tour, where he began competing in regular events. During his early years on tour, he worked to refine his game and gain experience against seasoned competitors, gradually building a reputation as a steady and reliable player. His breakthrough came when he secured his first PGA Tour victory, launching what would become a five-win career on the circuit.
Throughout the early 1990s, Mayfair continued to post consistent results, earning his place inside the top tier of American professional golf. By the middle of the decade, he had established himself as a player capable of contending in major tournaments and high-profile events, setting the stage for one of the most memorable seasons of his career in 1995.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (1995-1998)
Mayfair’s most celebrated moment on the PGA Tour came in 1995, when he won the Tour Championship, one of the most prestigious events of the late-season schedule. The victory was a defining moment in his career and helped push him into the upper echelon of the Official World Golf Rankings. In 1996, he reached a career-high ranking of 26th in the world, confirming his status as one of the top American players of that era.
Another milestone came in 1998, when Mayfair won the Nissan Open and, in the process, became the only player ever to defeat Tiger Woods in a playoff on the PGA Tour. The victory added another layer to his legacy and remains one of the most talked-about achievements of his career. Over the course of his PGA Tour career, Mayfair made 761 starts and earned more than $20.3 million in official prize money, a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level of professional golf.
PGA Tour Champions Era (2016-Present)
In 2016, Mayfair transitioned to the PGA Tour Champions, the senior tour for professional golfers aged 50 and older. The move came after a long and successful career on the PGA Tour, where he had spent the majority of his playing years. Mayfair was the medalist at the 2010 PGA Tour Qualifying School, and in 2013 and 2014 he split his playing time between the PGA Tour and the Web.com Tour, playing primarily on the Web.com Tour in 2014. After 2016, he focused his competitive efforts on the senior circuit.
On the PGA Tour Champions, Mayfair has continued to compete regularly, drawing on decades of experience. His transition to the senior tour has allowed him to remain active in professional golf well into his fifties, and he continues to be a recognizable figure at Champions events.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mayfair is known for his steady and consistent approach to the game, with a particular strength in ball-striking and course management. His long career on the PGA Tour, where he made 761 starts, reflects a player who values precision and patience over flash. His ability to perform under pressure was demonstrated repeatedly, including his playoff victory over Tiger Woods at the 1998 Nissan Open.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Mayfair’s most notable achievements are his 1987 U.S. Amateur title, his 1987 Haskins Award, his 1995 Tour Championship victory, and his 1998 Nissan Open win over Tiger Woods. He is also recognized for his 2010 PGA Tour Qualifying School medalist finish and his successful transition to the PGA Tour Champions in 2016.
Billy Mayfair Career Wins
Across his professional career, Billy Mayfair has recorded five PGA Tour victories, including his signature win at the 1995 Tour Championship. He has also earned two major USGA amateur titles and the 1987 Haskins Award, the most prestigious individual honor in collegiate golf.
PGA Tour Highlights
Mayfair’s five PGA Tour wins include the 1995 Tour Championship, the most prestigious title of his professional career, and the 1998 Nissan Open, where he became the only player to defeat Tiger Woods in a playoff. His other PGA Tour victories helped him reach a career-high 26th in the Official World Golf Rankings in 1996.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his five PGA Tour titles, Mayfair won the 1986 U.S. Amateur Public Links and the 1987 U.S. Amateur, establishing himself as one of the top amateur players in the United States before turning professional in 1988.
Billy Mayfair Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Billy Mayfair was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and his early development in the city’s strong golf culture shaped his path to a professional career.
Personal Life
Mayfair lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he plays out of Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club. In April 2021, he announced that he had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in November 2019.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, Billy Mayfair continues to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, where he has been a regular participant since joining the senior circuit in 2016. His experience and consistency remain valuable assets on a tour known for its depth of talent among veteran professionals.
Mayfair’s longevity in professional golf, with a career that began in 1988, allows him to draw on decades of competitive experience at the highest levels of the sport. His continued presence on the PGA Tour Champions reflects his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to competing at a high level.
Looking ahead, Mayfair is expected to remain active on the PGA Tour Champions schedule, representing another chapter in a career that has already spanned more than three decades of professional golf.