J. L. Lewis

John Lee Lewis (July 18, 1960 – December 31, 2019) was an American professional golfer. He 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.

Early life 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. Lewis retired from competitive golf in 2012.

After his comeback from a strained medial collateral ligament 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).

Personal life 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.

Awards and honors In 2001, Lewis was inducted into the Emporia High School Hall of Fame. In 2002, he entered the Texas State University Hall of Honor.

Professional wins (5) PGA Tour wins (2)

PGA Tour playoff record (1–0)

Other wins (3) 1992 Southern Texas PGA Championship 1993 Southern Texas PGA Championship 1999 Honda Invitational (Mexico)

Results in major championships

CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" = tied

Results in The Players Championship

CUT = missed the halfway cut "T" indicates a tie for a place

Results in World Golf Championships

"T" = Tied

U.S. national team appearances PGA Cup: 1994 (winners)