Lauri Merten - Part 4 (Playing with Jack and Life After Golf)

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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