Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_9 ( to_par VARCHAR, player VARCHAR, total VARCHAR )

### Question ###
What is total number of the to par of player john mahaffey, who has a total less than 298?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(to_par) FROM table_name_9 WHERE player = "john mahaffey" AND total < 298