Mac O'Grady
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Mac O'Grady (born April 26, 1951) born Phil McGleno, aka Phillip McClelland O'Grady is an American professional golfer and golf teaching professional who played on the PGA Tour in the 1970s and 1980s, known mainly for his eccentric behavior [1] and brash statements [2], in addition to his attending PGA Qualifying school 17 times before achieving his card.[1]
[edit] Biography and career highlights
O'Grady was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Santa Monica Junior College in Santa Monica, California, and turned pro in 1972. He attempted to qualify for the PGA Tour through Q School 17 times before finally receiving his tour card. During this time, he legally changed his name from Phil McGleno to Phillip McClelland O'Grady, and then to Mac O'Grady.[3] O'Grady won two events on the PGA Tour. His first win came at the 1986 Canon Sammy Davis Jr.-Greater Hartford Open; his second and final win came a year later at the MONY Tournament of Champions. His best finish in a major was a T-9 at the 1987 U.S. Open. O'Grady had 18 top-10 finishes as a PGA Tour player. O'Grady left the PGA Tour in 1989 as a result of back problems.
[edit] Later years
O'Grady, a right-handed player, is ambidextrous; he can also play left-handed at "scratch" level (no handicap). He has previously attempted to gain status as an amateur "lefty" and pro "righty".[4] The main focus of his career now is teaching the game of golf, recognized as one of the world's top instructors[5]; he teaches at his Mac O'Grady Golf Schools[2] and lives in Palm Springs, California. Mac's teachings and swing concepts were influenced by Homer Kelly's book "The Golfing Machine" whom Mac had studied with personally in his earlier years.
