Jane Geddes - Part 1 (The Early Years)
In this first installment of our four-part conversation with two-time major champion Jane Geddes, FORE the Good of the Game co-hosts Mike Gonzalez and Bruce Devlin take listeners on a journey back to Jane’s unlikely beginnings in golf—and what a story it is.
Born and raised on Long Island, Jane Geddes never set foot on a golf course until the age of 15. A move to Summerville, South Carolina left her feeling like an outsider—until a chance introduction to the game changed her life forever. With no prior experience, no clubs of her own, and no country club pedigree, Jane’s golf journey began with a single seven-iron and a generous teaching pro, Derek Hardy, who saw something special in her swing from day one.
Jane reflects with honesty and humor on the cultural shock of moving to the South, the loneliness of high school, and how golf became her unexpected refuge. From shag bags and Walmart clubs to developing her game on a neighborhood driving range, this is a raw and inspiring look at how talent, curiosity, and a bit of fate launched one of the great careers in women’s golf.
You’ll hear how she went from a complete unknown to walking onto the Florida State team, and how pivotal influences—including Derek Hardy, Dave Pelz, Jim McLean, and Dr. Bob Rotella—shaped her game and mindset.
This episode offers a rare glimpse into the humble and heartfelt beginnings of a future major champion. Jane’s story is proof that greatness can come from the unlikeliest of places.
Subscribe and stay tuned—Jane’s journey is just getting started, "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.”
Thanks so much for listening!
Geddes, Jane
Professional Golfer
Jane Geddes is a retired American professional golfer. She joined the LPGA Tour in 1983 and won two major championships and 11 LPGA Tour events overall. Geddes was the Vice President of Talent Relations of WWE
Career
Geddes was born in Huntington, New York. She played college golf at Florida State University and was a member of the school's national championship team in 1981. She joined the LPGA Tour in 1983, posting runner-up finishes three times from 1984 to 1985.
Geddes broke through for her first professional victory when she won the 1986 U.S. Women's Open by defeating Sally Little in an 18-hole playoff. Then she won again the very next week. The year 1987 was her best, as she posted five victories, including the Mazda LPGA Championship, and four second-place finishes, finishing third on the money list. In all, seven of Geddes' 11 career wins came from 1986 to 1987.
Geddes won twice in 1991 and her last win was at the 1994 Chicago Challenge. Geddes finished in the Top 20 on the money list nine times, and posted 14 Top 10 finishes in majors in addition to her two major championship wins. In 2000, she was recognized during the LPGA's 50th Anniversary in 2000 as one of the LPGA's top-50 players and teachers. She retired from the LPGA Tour following the 2003 season.
Geddes co-founded an Internet e-commerce company named Planesia, which she sold in 2001. She received a degree in criminology from the University of South Florida in 2003, and later received a law degree from Stetson University College of Law in Flo… Read More
