Lee Janzen - Part 3 (The 1998 U.S. Open)
In Part 3 of our four-part conversation with two-time U.S. Open Champion Lee Janzen, we dive deep into the pivotal years of his remarkable career. Lee reflects on his memorable first Ryder Cup appearance at The Belfry in 1993, where he was the youngest member of a veteran-laden U.S. team. He shares candid memories of the intensity of international competition, including the unforgettable 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama under Seve Ballesteros' spirited leadership.
We relive Lee’s biggest victories beyond his major triumphs — from his emotional win at the 1994 Buick Classic over Ernie Els, to his defining moment at the 1995 Players Championship, cementing his status among the game’s elite. Lee offers insight into his mentality under pressure, recounting his gritty playoff win against Corey Pavin at the 1995 Kemper Open and his thrilling victory at the International at Castle Pines using the challenging Stableford scoring format.
Listeners will also hear the inside story behind Lee's thrilling comeback at the 1998 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club, overcoming a five-shot deficit on Sunday to edge Payne Stewart in one of the championship’s most dramatic finishes. Lee’s perspective on the mental toughness required to conquer the brutal conditions of a U.S. Open provides timeless lessons for competitors at every level.
Join us as Lee Janzen brings fans inside the ropes, sharing the highs, the heartbreaks, and the resilience that defined his championship career. You won't want to miss these incredible stories — all told in Lee's humble, authentic voice.
Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our Website https://www.forethegoodofthegame.com/reviews/new/
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fore-the-good-of-the-game/id1562581853
Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/0XSuVGjwQg6bm78COkIhZO?si=b4c9d47ea8b24b2d
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.”
Thanks so much for listening!
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
