In the heartfelt conclusion of our four-part conversation with 1993 U.S. Women’s Open champion Lauri Merten, we explore life beyond the ropes and the journey that followed her greatest triumph. With sincerity and introspection, Lauri opens up about the challenges of balancing fame, personal relationships, and the emotional toll of a life in competitive golf.

She reflects on the impact of her U.S. Open win—from newfound celebrity to the struggles of maintaining her game and marriage. Lauri shares stories of teeing it up with legends like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, and the unexpected honor of flying on Jack’s private plane after a memorable Three Tour Challenge. She also discusses stepping away from the game at her peak and her transition into a quieter, more creative life as a gardener and decorative painter.

We also hear about her emotional return for the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open—dusting off old clubs, finding places to practice, and rediscovering her swing two decades later. Through highs and lows, her enduring love for the game and her authenticity shine through.

As we close, Lauri answers our signature final three questions with honesty and grace, sharing what she might have done differently, where she’d take a career mulligan, and how she hopes to be remembered—not just as a major champion, but as someone who cared deeply for others and stayed true to herself.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the stories behind the trophies are often the most inspiring of all.

🎙️ Listen now to the final chapter of Lauri Merten’s remarkable journey—only on FORE the Good of the Game.

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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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In this third installment of our four-part conversation with 1993 U.S. Women’s Open Champion Lauri Merten, we dive headfirst into the emotional and unforgettable week at Crooked Stick that changed her life forever. With raw honesty and captivating detail, Lauri takes us through the rollercoaster of self-doubt, resilience, and unlikely triumph that defined her historic victory.

Coming off a missed cut the week prior and wrestling with confidence issues, Lauri describes how a simple shopping trip and a bronze sculpture became her quiet source of inspiration heading into the championship. From early nerves and pep talks from her caddie, Tom Hanson, to clutch birdies and gritty par saves, she walks us through each turning point with vivid recollections—including a dramatic chip-in, a critical bogey save on 11, and her birdie at 16 that sent goosebumps through the gallery.

You’ll hear how Lauri navigated the pressure, a weather-delayed final round, and the tension of watching challengers like Donna Andrews and Helen Alfredsson fall just short. She reflects on her mindset, her putting drills that paid off at just the right moment, and the joy—and shock—of hearing the final roar when the final challenger's putt missed the mark.

With her trademark humor and humility, Lauri also shares heartfelt moments about her parents, her mixed feelings about a controversial Sports Illustrated article, and her plans to finally share some cherished memorabilia with the USGA.

This episode is a tribute to perseverance, belief, and the magic that can unfold when preparation meets opportunity. Don’t miss Lauri’s inside story of one of the most inspiring and underdog victories in U.S. Women’s Open history.

Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.

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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!

In Part 2 of our four-part conversation with 1993 U.S. Women’s Open Champion Lauri Merten, we explore the winding and often challenging road that led her to the LPGA Tour—and her breakthrough victory.

Lauri shares her early experiences playing in professional events as a teenager, including a memorable LPGA event at Sun City with her father on the bag and her stunning 67 that made her an overnight leader. From those formative moments, we follow her journey through Q-School heartbreak, international pro-ams in Japan, and the financial support that made chasing her dream possible.

Lauri opens up about the pressure-packed nature of LPGA qualifying and the unlikely first win that came in 1983 at the Rail Charity Classic in Springfield, Illinois—where advice from her father, an eagle on 13, and a prayerful putting green moment all played a part in her emotional triumph. She also recounts her second LPGA win in 1984 at the inaugural Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, where she outdueled none other than Nancy Lopez on the final day—on her birthday, no less!

With vivid stories involving Pat Bradley, Charles Barkley, and iconic tour stops, Lauri gives listeners a candid and heartfelt look at life on the LPGA Tour during its golden era. Her humor, humility, and competitive fire shine through as she reflects on the people and places that shaped her career.

Join us for this inspiring episode as Lauri Merten continues her journey FORE the Good of the Game—sharing stories, wisdom, and memories that golf fans of all generations will treasure.

Give Bruce & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

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!