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.

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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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