Lee Janzen - Part 3 (The 1998 U.S. Open)

In the final chapter of our four-part conversation with two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, we explore the deeper reflections and enduring values that have shaped his remarkable life in and beyond golf. Lee shares candid insights into the transition from the PGA Tour to the Champions Tour, the physical and mental adjustments required, and the motivations that keep him competitive today.We hear entertaining stories of his playoff victories, including dramatic moments with Bart Bryant and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and a memorable double hole-in-one moment with Scott McCarron that had everyone talking. Lee also opens up about his love for skiing, his passion for pickleball, and the importance of maintaining health and fitness to continue chasing new goals — like reaching the milestone of 1,000 professional events.Beyond the trophies and tournaments, Lee reflects on his commitment to giving back, notably through his long-standing involvement with College Golf Fellowship, where he’s impacted the lives of many young players. As always, we close with our signature three questions, offering Lee the chance to share what he would have done differently, the Mulligan he'd love to take, and most importantly, how he hopes to be remembered.Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conclusion to Lee Janzen’s story — a testament to resilience, faith, friendship, and the timeless values that define a true champion.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

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.Support the showFollow 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!

In Part 2 of our special four-part conversation with two-time U.S. Open Champion Lee Janzen, we pick up his inspiring journey as a young professional grinding his way toward PGA Tour success. Lee candidly shares the struggles he faced from 1986 to 1989, navigating mini-tours and Monday qualifiers with limited resources and an unwavering determination to make it to the big stage.Hear firsthand how Lee’s perseverance paid off, culminating in his breakthrough win at the 1992 Northern Telecom Open. He reflects on the hard lessons learned during those early years—stories filled with sacrifice, emotional setbacks, and self-discovery. Lee also recounts the experience of capturing his second PGA Tour victory at the 1993 Phoenix Open under challenging, windy conditions, and how that win reinforced his place among golf’s elite.The conversation builds toward his life-changing first major triumph: the 1993 U.S. Open at storied Baltusrol Golf Club. Lee walks us through the mental and emotional preparation that helped him perform under the intense pressure of major championship golf, including key advice he received from legends like Jack Nicklaus and psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella.With vivid memories of pivotal shots—including his unforgettable chip-in at 16—and honest insights into the nerves, strategy, and resilience it took to outlast Payne Stewart and a field packed with Hall of Famers, Lee gives listeners an intimate look at what it truly means to become a U.S. Open Champion.Don’t miss this compelling chapter in Lee Janzen’s remarkable career, as he shares the triumphs, heartbreaks, and personal growth that shaped his path to golf history.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

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.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

In the powerful conclusion to our eight-part conversation with World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin, we journey with one of golf’s greatest competitors as he reflects on the final chapter of his playing career and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.Irwin shares memories of his seventh and final senior major victory at Valhalla, a week marked by rain delays, back pain, and a quiet moment of clarity found in the solitude of his car with a book in hand. He speaks candidly about rival and friend Jay Haas, the grace of Payne Stewart, and the brilliance—yet unfulfilled potential—of Tom Weiskopf. With honesty and humility, Hale opens up about what it truly means to win, to persevere, and to walk away on your own terms.We also explore Irwin’s deep commitment to philanthropy, including the creation of the Hale Irwin wing at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and his recent honor as the 2025 U.S. Senior Open Honorary Chair at The Broadmoor. Hale discusses his second career in golf course design and the joy of building courses that bring people back for another round.In our final three questions, Hale reveals the one “Mulligan” he might take—not on the course, but in life—and how he hopes to be remembered: not just as a champion golfer, but as a friend, a mentor, and a man who always tried to do what was right.This final episode is a heartfelt and fitting end to an extraordinary life story, told in the voice of a man who lived it with integrity, grace, and grit. Hale Irwin’s reflections remind us that in golf—as in life—it's the relationships, not the trophies, that matter most.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

In the seventh installment of our exclusive eight-part series with World Golf Hall of Fame legend Hale Irwin, we fast forward to the next chapter of his remarkable career—his unforgettable run on the PGA TOUR Champions. Hale reflects on turning 50 in 1995 and stepping into senior golf with the same fire and precision that defined his prime. In his own voice, he recounts celebrating his milestone birthday at a Wendy’s after a rain-delayed Memorial Tournament—and quickly pivoting to victory just weeks later.Hale dives into his Champions Tour success, including his staggering 45 wins, highlighted by 11 straight seasons with multiple victories and a record-setting nine-win season in 1997. He shares the story behind his putting grip change at Walla Walla that led to a year-and-a-half of brilliance on the greens, and how rivals like Gil Morgan pushed him to reach new heights.We revisit Irwin’s seven senior majors, including his dominant U.S. Senior Open wins and a 12-shot runaway at the PGA Senior Championship. He shares compelling stories of strategy, mental resilience, and even golfing with Sean Connery in celebrity events. Hale speaks candidly about how golf evolved with age—from burning ambition to deep appreciation—and how competition remained his driving force.With insights into the camaraderie of the Champions Tour and the lasting impact of players like Bruce Devlin and David Graham, Hale paints a vivid picture of a time when golf wasn’t just a game—it was a second life. For fans of golf history and timeless storytelling, this is a masterclass from one of the game’s greatest.Subscribe and listen as we approach the grand finale in Episode 8 of FORE the Good of the Game.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

In this sixth installment of our eight-part conversation with World Golf Hall of Fame member Hale Irwin, we dive deep into the heart of major championship golf and reflect on the enduring lessons of a remarkable career. Hale, always thoughtful and candid, revisits his storied experiences at Augusta National, sharing his personal connection to the Masters and what it meant to walk its hallowed grounds—both as a competitor and a steward of the game’s history.With insight only a three-time U.S. Open champion can provide, Hale opens up about how his game fit—or didn’t fit—the iconic venues of each major. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and physical toll of playing The Open Championship, revealing why family time, the grind of travel, and those rainy days with fogged-up glasses sometimes outweighed teeing it up across the pond.From the roars of Augusta to the winds of Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Hale reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and close calls—like his proud 64 at the Masters and duels with legends like Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson. We also touch on the PGA Championship, and Hale’s personal choices around scheduling, family priorities, and staying true to his own rhythm, even in the face of major championship expectations.With humor, humility, and unmatched perspective, Hale Irwin shares stories that remind us that greatness isn’t only measured in trophies, but also in the values that guide a life in golf. Join us for another timeless chapter in the life and legacy of one of the game’s true champions.Subscribe and follow FORE the Good of the Game for the next two episodes as we continue the journey with Hale Irwin.Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

Hale Irwin, 3-time winner of the U.S. Open, concludes his look back on his PGA TOUR days by recounting his final few individual and team wins. As a 45-year-old Hale prevailed at the 1990 U.S. Open at Medinah with a comeback for the ages. He has fond memories of the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah, not because of the result but because of the camaraderie and grittiness displayed by both sides. Hale derived much satisfaction from his final win at the 1994 Heritage Golf Classic, his third win at Harbour Town. His appearance as the only President's Cup Player/Captain in 1994 capped off an incredible regular Tour career and set the stage for great things to come, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

5-time Ryder Cup player, Hale Irwin covers the middle years of his professional career beginning with a 3-win 1977 and his second Ryder Cup appearance. Hale's 1979 year was pretty special with a U.S. Open triumph at Inverness, a victory in the World Cup partnered with John Mahaffey and another Ryder Cup win in the first year of continental Europeans joining the team. He followed that up with a 2-win 1981 and a fourth Ryder Cup victory at Walton Heath GC. Hale shares his memories from his wins at the Honda Inverrary Classic, the Memorial Tournament and the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am as he continues his life story, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!

20-time winner on the PGA Tour, Hale Irwin takes us back to his early days on Tour and shares the lessons he learned from mentors like Bruce Devlin and Dale Douglas. Surviving the pressures of being a "Monday qualifier", Hale finally closed the deal in his fifth year on Tour, prevailing at the 1973 Sea Pines Heritage Classic. Confidence from that first victory propelled him to success the following year at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot and at the Piccadilly Match Play at Wentworth GC. Listen in as he recounts his 1975 successes which included another Piccadilly win and leading the U.S. side with 4 1/2 points in his first Ryder Cup with Arnold Palmer as the captain at Laurel Valley. We conclude this episode with Hale remembering his improbable comeback win at the 1976 Citrus Open and the life lesson from his father to always finish what you started. Hale Irwin recalls his early professional years, "FORE the Good of the Game."Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.Support the showFollow 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!