At 5'5", this blue-eyed blond began her professional career in her homeland by capturing the Australian open in 1973 and again in 1977. All told, Jan won four events on the Australian LPGA circuit.
After joining the LPGA Tour (stateside) in 1974, Jan was named Rookie of the Year on the strength of six top-ten finishes, including ties for fourth at both the Colgate American-European Open and the Lady Errol Classic.
Throughout the next three decades, Jan racked up an impressive list of finishes including firing off a career low "64" as she took second place in the Chrysler-Plymouth Classic (1988) to a season low "67" at the Kellogg-Keebler Classic (2002). After finishing the Longs Drug Challenge in 2002, Jan crossed the $3 million mark in career earnings. Winning three of the four modern major championships puts Jan one away (winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship) from becoming the sixth person in LPGA history to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Career highlights include:
- Recognized during LPGA's 50th Anniversary as one of top 50 players (2000)
- Honored among Golf Magazine's "100 Heroes" during Centennial of Golf in America (1988)
- Runner-up at WEB.COM Challenge and Firstar LPGA Classic (1999)
- Became the Tour's ninth millionaire with a win on the GNA Classic (1985)
- Tied for third at the Longs Drugs Challenge (1997)
- Produced a popular exercise video for people with arthritis
- Started Jan for Juniors, a non-profit organization enabling two top Australian female junior golfers the opportunity to experience a US LPGA Tour event.
Challenged by a broken finger suffered during a mugging, Jan turned her energy in a different direction. After designing and opening Walkabout Golf Club in Mims, Florida, she now enjoys the distinction of being the first women pro golfer to do so. Jan is currently working on designing additional golf courses in Florida.
Won the 2000 Hy-Vee Classic
