Lee Janzen - Part 1 (The Early Years)
Join hosts Mike Gonzalez and Bruce Devlin for the first of a captivating four-part conversation with two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen on FORE the Good of the Game. In this episode, Lee reflects on his earliest memories growing up, from his birth in Austin, Minnesota, to childhood years in New Jersey, Maryland, and ultimately Florida, where he discovered his passion for golf. Lee shares vivid anecdotes of his introduction to sports, fond memories of the Orioles’ World Series triumph, and an unforgettable hotel encounter involving the Baltimore Colts.
Listeners get an inside look at Lee’s rapid progression in junior golf, a journey marked by dedication, resilience, and timely mentorship. He discusses how his game evolved from shooting rounds of 100 at age 14 to becoming a competitive junior player in just over a year, crediting influential advice from legendary instructor Rick Smith. Lee candidly opens up about the challenges he overcame, from mental barriers to playoff pressures, and how those formative experiences shaped his approach to the game.
Lee also recounts his standout collegiate career at Florida Southern College, detailing how a near-missed opportunity became a defining turning point that propelled him into the national spotlight. He brings listeners back to the excitement and awe of qualifying for his first U.S. Open at Oakland Hills as a 19-year-old amateur, an experience that included memorable interactions with legends Jack Nicklaus and Ben Crenshaw, as well as humorous anecdotes from the practice rounds.
Filled with rich storytelling, personal insights, and laughter, this episode sets the stage for a remarkable deep dive into the life and career of Lee Janzen. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, tune in to hear Lee’s inspiring story of determination, resilience, and the moments that shaped him into a champion.
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About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
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Janzen, Lee
Golf Professional
Lee McLeod Janzen (born August 28, 1964) is an American professional golfer who is best known for winning the U.S. Open twice in 1993 and 1998. He currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions, and was an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour.
Early years and amateur career
Janzen was born in Austin, Minnesota, and spent most of his childhood in Baltimore, Maryland, where he played Little League baseball. When Janzen was 12, his father's company transferred him to Florida and his parents started him in golf and tennis, and he continued playing baseball. Janzen liked golf best and started playing that sport exclusively. He won his first tournament at age 15 as a member of the Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association.
Janzen chose to attend a small college – Florida Southern. In 1985 and 1986, Florida Southern won the NCAA Division II national team championship. Janzen was the individual champion in 1986. He turned professional later that same year.
Professional career
In 1989, Janzen joined the PGA Tour. He has won eight times on the PGA Tour, most notably the 1993 and 1998 U.S. Opens. In 1993, Janzen defeated Payne Stewart at Baltusrol in Springfield, New Jersey, en route to tying the 72-hole U.S. Open scoring record of 8-under-par. Five years later, he again beat out Stewart to win his second U.S. Open, this time at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He overcame a five stroke deficit on Sunday, marking the best final-round comeback in a U.S. Open for 25 years since Johnny Miller's win in 1973.
Janzen also notched a victory at The Pl… Read More
