J. L. Lewis
Encyclopedia
John Lee "J.L." Lewis is an American
professional golfer
. He has won twice on the PGA Tour
: the John Deere Classic
in 1999, and the 84 Lumber Classic
in 2003. In 1999 he won the Honda Invitational in Guadalajara
, Mexico
. In 2010, Lewis earned a spot on the Champions Tour
after placing well on the tour's Q School.
Lewis was born and raised in Emporia, Kansas
. His parents, John and Donna Lewis, taught in Emporia schools for thirty years. His athletic ability was evident from an early age: he played Little League Baseball from 1967 to 1973, and was a winning pitcher with multiple no-hitters. Lewis began playing golf at the age of seven at Emporia Country Club, where he won at the ECC Men's Club Championship twice before graduating from high school. He lettered in football, basketball, and golf at Emporia High School
. In 1978, he was named to the all-state high school basketball team, and was awarded a golf scholarship to Emporia State University
.
After his sophomore year at Emporia State, Lewis transferred to Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University–San Marcos
). While at Texas State, his team won the 1983 Division II golf championship
, and he received First Team All American honors for finishing second individually. He graduated from Texas State with a bachelor of science in education with a major in business education and a minor in English. He has been inducted into the Emporia High School Hall of Fame (2001) and the Texas State University Hall of Honor (2002).
From 1982 to 1987, Lewis participated in the PGA of America apprentice program, and he became a professional golfer in 1984. During these years he was an assistant golf pro at The Hills of Lakeway Golf & Country Club (Live Oak and Yaupon golf courses) in Austin, Texas
.
In 1988, Lewis became an assistant golf pro at the Las Vegas Country Club
in Las Vegas, Nevada
, where he earned his PGA Class A membership. In December 1988, he qualified for the PGA Tour, and competed in 21 tour events during 1989. He was named 1988 Player of the Year, Southwest Section PGA (Las Vegas Chapter).
From 1990 to 1993, Lewis was the golf pro at Forest Creek Golf Club in Round Rock, Texas
. As a PGA Club Professional, he won numerous events and was a three-time sectional player of the year, twice in the PGA South Texas Section, and once in the PGA Southwest Section.
In 1994, Lewis was a member of the PGA Cup team; he led the Americans to a victory over the Europeans by making a 50-foot putt on the last hole of the competition. He rejoined the PGA Tour in 1995.
Lewis has an interest in writing, specifically about golf instruction, for which he has penned more than 1,000 golf tips. He published a book, the "Pocket Pro" edition of "Golf Tips from the Tour" in 2009.
in his left knee suffered in May 2006, Lewis played in four events during the 2007 PGA Tour season. Because he also had a lingering elbow injury, he was granted a major medical extension carryover for the 2008 season.
Lewis's best finishes during 2008 were in the Shell Houston Open
(T47), in the Verizon Heritage
(T64), and in the Valero Texas Open
(T73).
J.L. and Dawn Lewis have two children, who were homeschooled by their parents while J.L. was on Tour. Cole Lewis, who graduated from Texas State University with degree in business management, competed on the Texas State golf team for four years. Sherry Lewis-Ramirez is a graduate of Southwestern University
.
PGA Tour playoff record (1-0)
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional golfer
Professional golfer
In golf the distinction between amateurs and professionals is rigorously maintained. An amateur who breaches the rules of amateur status may lose his or her amateur status. A golfer who has lost his or her amateur status may not play in amateur competitions until amateur status has been reinstated;...
. He has won twice on the PGA Tour
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the organizer of the main men's professional golf tours in the United States and North America...
: the John Deere Classic
John Deere Classic
The John Deere Classic is an American professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is played annually in July, the week before the British Open, at the TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois....
in 1999, and the 84 Lumber Classic
84 Lumber Classic
The 84 Lumber Classic was an golf tournament on the PGA Tour from 2000 to 2006. The event's title sponsor was lumber company 84 Lumber. The host course from 2003 to 2006, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, was owned by 84 Lumber founder Joseph Hardy.-History of the 84 Lumber...
in 2003. In 1999 he won the Honda Invitational in Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of Jalisco in the western-pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,564,514 it is Mexico's second most populous municipality...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. In 2010, Lewis earned a spot on the Champions Tour
Champions Tour
The Champions Tour, a golf tour run by the PGA Tour, hosts a series of events annually in the United States and the United Kingdom for golfers 50 years of age and older. Many of the PGA Tour's most successful golfers have gone on to play on the Champions Tour.The Senior PGA Championship, founded in...
after placing well on the tour's Q School.
Lewis was born and raised in Emporia, Kansas
Emporia, Kansas
Emporia is a city in and the county seat of Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24,916. Emporia lies between Topeka and Wichita at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 with Interstates 335 and 35 on the Kansas Turnpike...
. His parents, John and Donna Lewis, taught in Emporia schools for thirty years. His athletic ability was evident from an early age: he played Little League Baseball from 1967 to 1973, and was a winning pitcher with multiple no-hitters. Lewis began playing golf at the age of seven at Emporia Country Club, where he won at the ECC Men's Club Championship twice before graduating from high school. He lettered in football, basketball, and golf at Emporia High School
Emporia High School
Emporia High School is a fully accredited public high school located in Emporia, Kansas, serving students in grades 9-12. Emporia has an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students and a teaching staff of 130. It is the only public high school within the city of Emporia. The principal is Scott Sheldon...
. In 1978, he was named to the all-state high school basketball team, and was awarded a golf scholarship to Emporia State University
Emporia State University
Emporia State University is a university in the city of Emporia in Lyon County, Kansas, just east of the Flint Hills.- History :...
.
After his sophomore year at Emporia State, Lewis transferred to Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University–San Marcos
Texas State University–San Marcos
Texas State University–San Marcos is a doctoral-granting university located in San Marcos, Texas...
). While at Texas State, his team won the 1983 Division II golf championship
NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships
The NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships, played in late May, is an annual competition in U.S. men's collegiate golf. It is a stroke play team competition, but there is also an award for the lowest scoring individual competitor. Many of the individual champions have gone on to successful...
, and he received First Team All American honors for finishing second individually. He graduated from Texas State with a bachelor of science in education with a major in business education and a minor in English. He has been inducted into the Emporia High School Hall of Fame (2001) and the Texas State University Hall of Honor (2002).
From 1982 to 1987, Lewis participated in the PGA of America apprentice program, and he became a professional golfer in 1984. During these years he was an assistant golf pro at The Hills of Lakeway Golf & Country Club (Live Oak and Yaupon golf courses) in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
.
In 1988, Lewis became an assistant golf pro at the Las Vegas Country Club
Las Vegas Country Club
The Las Vegas Country Club is a true equity membership club located in the Winchester area of metropolitan Las Vegas, Nevada. It was built on the site of a 1950s horse and automobile racetrack named Las Vegas Downs and later the Las Vegas Park Speedway. The 18-hole golf course was completed in the...
in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, where he earned his PGA Class A membership. In December 1988, he qualified for the PGA Tour, and competed in 21 tour events during 1989. He was named 1988 Player of the Year, Southwest Section PGA (Las Vegas Chapter).
From 1990 to 1993, Lewis was the golf pro at Forest Creek Golf Club in Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock is a city in Travis and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Texas. It is part of the metropolitan area. The 2010 census places the population at 99,887....
. As a PGA Club Professional, he won numerous events and was a three-time sectional player of the year, twice in the PGA South Texas Section, and once in the PGA Southwest Section.
In 1994, Lewis was a member of the PGA Cup team; he led the Americans to a victory over the Europeans by making a 50-foot putt on the last hole of the competition. He rejoined the PGA Tour in 1995.
Lewis has an interest in writing, specifically about golf instruction, for which he has penned more than 1,000 golf tips. He published a book, the "Pocket Pro" edition of "Golf Tips from the Tour" in 2009.
2007 and 2008 PGA Tour seasons
After his comeback from a strained medial collateral ligamentMedial collateral ligament
The medial collateral ligament of the knee is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It is on the medial side of the knee joint in humans and other primates. It is also known as the tibial collateral ligament, or abbreviated as the MCL.- Structure :It is a broad, flat, membranous band,...
in his left knee suffered in May 2006, Lewis played in four events during the 2007 PGA Tour season. Because he also had a lingering elbow injury, he was granted a major medical extension carryover for the 2008 season.
Lewis's best finishes during 2008 were in the Shell Houston Open
Shell Houston Open
The Shell Houston Open is a regular golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is currently played in April at Redstone Golf Club in the Houston suburb of Humble, Texas. Shell and the Houston Golf Association are the main sponsors of the tournament...
(T47), in the Verizon Heritage
Verizon Heritage
The RBC Heritage, known for much of its history as the Heritage Classic, is a PGA Tour FedEx Cup event, first played in 1969. The venue has been the Harbour Town Golf Links at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina...
(T64), and in the Valero Texas Open
Valero Texas Open
The Valero Texas Open is an official tournament on the PGA Tour. It dates back to 1922 when it was first called the Texas Open; San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corporation took over naming rights in 2002. It is played at The Oaks Course at the TPC San Antonio. In 2003, it was the site of the...
(T73).
Family
In August 1982, Lewis married Dawn Marie Delavan, who grew up in Emporia, Kansas, and graduated from Emporia High School in 1978. Dawn, who played golf and participated in track and field and gymnastics, competed on the University of Texas gymnastics team beginning in the fall of 1978. She manages her husband's golf career and business operations through J.L. Sports, LLC.J.L. and Dawn Lewis have two children, who were homeschooled by their parents while J.L. was on Tour. Cole Lewis, who graduated from Texas State University with degree in business management, competed on the Texas State golf team for four years. Sherry Lewis-Ramirez is a graduate of Southwestern University
Southwestern University
Southwestern University is a private, four-year, undergraduate, liberal arts college located in Georgetown, Texas, USA. Founded in 1840, Southwestern is the oldest university in Texas. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church although the curriculum is nonsectarian...
.
PGA Tour wins (2)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jul 25, 1999 1999 PGA Tour The 1999 PGA Tour season was played from January 7 to November 7. The season consisted of 47 official money events. Tiger Woods won the most tournaments, eight, and there were nine first-time winners. The tournament results, leaders, and award winners are listed below.-Tournament results:The... |
John Deere Classic John Deere Classic The John Deere Classic is an American professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is played annually in July, the week before the British Open, at the TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.... |
Playoff |  Mike BriskyMike Brisky Michael Charles Brisky is an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour.Brisky joined the PGA Tour in 1994, earning his Tour card through qualifying school. He didn't play well enough to retain his Tour card but earned his card for the following year through... |
|
| 2 | Sep 21, 2003 2003 PGA Tour The 2003 PGA Tour season was played from January 9 to November 9. The season consisted of 48 official money events. Tiger Woods won the most tournaments, five, and there were seven first-time winners. The tournament results, leaders, and award winners are listed below.-Tournament results:The... |
84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania | 2 strokes |  Stuart ApplebyStuart Appleby Stuart Appleby is an Australian professional golfer.-Early life:Appleby was born in Cohuna in rural northern Victoria, and grew up on a nearby dairy farm. He began in golf by hitting balls from paddock to paddock after his farm chores were completed... , Frank LickliterFrank Lickliter Franklin Ray Lickliter II is an American professional golfer. He has featured in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.... , Tim PetrovicTim Petrovic Tim Petrovic is an American professional golfer.Petrovic was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. He has won one PGA Tour tournament, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2005.... |
PGA Tour playoff record (1-0)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999 | John Deere Classic John Deere Classic The John Deere Classic is an American professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is played annually in July, the week before the British Open, at the TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.... |
Mike Brisky Mike Brisky Michael Charles Brisky is an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour.Brisky joined the PGA Tour in 1994, earning his Tour card through qualifying school. He didn't play well enough to retain his Tour card but earned his card for the following year through... |
Won with birdie on fifth extra hole |