Curtis Strange! Back-to-Back US Open Champ on Pressure, Playoffs, & Playing with Legends Like Nicklaus, Faldo, and Trevino

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Curtis Strange, the legendary American golfer and World Golf Hall of Famer, as he sits down with Justin Kutcher for a deep dive into the stories that shaped his remarkable career. Strange, best known for his back-to-back U.S. Open victories in 1988 and 1989—the first to do so since Ben Hogan—shares candid insights from his time as a PGA Tour star, Ryder Cup competitor, and team captain. We relive the intensity of his epic playoff against Nick Faldo at the 1988 U.S. Open, explore the unforgettable team dynamics of the Ryder Cup (including his captaincy after 9/11), and hear about the emotional highs of winning alongside his Wake Forest teammates. Strange also reflects on the resilience of his family, the evolution of golf, and his transition to broadcasting, offering rare behind-the-scenes perspectives on the sport’s greatest moments.

⏰ Timestamps:

(00:00:00) – Justin introduces Curtis Strange, highlighting his back-to-back U.S. Open wins and Hall of Fame status.

(00:02:44) – Curtis reflects on choosing Wake Forest, the team culture, and playing with Jay Haas, Bob Byman, and David Thor.

(00:05:43) – NCAA Championship: Curtis recounts the dramatic 72nd hole and the team’s victory over Gary Koch and Florida.

(00:08:28) – Family influence, the loss of his father, and his relationship with his twin brother.

(00:11:34) – Curtis shares Ryder Cup stories about playing for Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, and Lanny Watkins.

(00:14:42) – Curtis details captaining the Ryder Cup, the impact of 9/11, and the patriotic atmosphere in 2002.

(00:24:35) – The pressure of the 1988 U.S. Open Playoff with Nick Faldo, the “Boston Tea Party” headlines, and the memorable final round.

(00:34:24) – The humorous story of his twin brother sneaking into the playoff and celebrating together.

(00:38:40) – 1989 U.S. Open: Curtis talks about the challenge of winning back-to-back U.S. Opens and the emotional significance for his family.

(00:43:50) – Curtis discusses moving into TV, working with legends, and learning from career failures.

(00:54:30) – Curtis recounts the “You’ll learn” interview with Tiger Woods and its aftermath.

(01:02:25) – Curtis remembers his first PGA Tour win in Pensacola and being paired with golf greats afterward.

(01:12:18) – Rapid Fire Q&A: Ryder Cup, Nerves, and Favorite Shots

(01:16:06) – Favorite Memory & Personal Reflections

(01:19:25) – Curtis shares thoughts on courage, remembering those who have battled illness, and the importance of storytelling.

💡Key Topics:

📌 Back-to-back U.S. Open victories and historic golf achievements

📌 Ryder Cup experiences: Team camaraderie, captaincy, and unforgettable matches

📌 Wake Forest NCAA Championship: Clutch moments and the foundation of a champion

📌 Transition to broadcasting: Insights from inside the booth and working with sports legends

📌 The Tiger Woods interview: Changing the mindset of golf and the impact of social media

🏌️ About Curtis Strange:

Curtis Strange is a two-time U.S. Open champion, World Golf Hall of Famer, and one of the most respected voices in golf broadcasting. With 17 PGA Tour wins and a reputation for fierce competitiveness, Strange’s influence extends from the fairways to the broadcast booth, where he continues to share his passion for the game and its stories. His legacy is defined by his historic major victories, Ryder Cup leadership, and authentic approach to sports storytelling.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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