By Ryder Cup Digital On September 12, 2025 18:23 UTC
Before Lee Janzen ever teed it up in the Ryder Cup, he was a fan watching it on TV between college classes — soaking in the drama of Muirfield Village, The Belfry, and the War by the Shore. Fast forward a few years, and Janzen found himself the youngest player on a U.S. team full of legends.
In this episode of Ryder Cup Rewind, the two-time U.S. Open champ opens up about the nerves of being a rookie, the leadership that shaped his week, and the moment Payne Stewart walked over before his singles match to settle him down. From match play mindset to what the 2025 team can expect at Bethpage Black, Janzen delivers stories, advice, and a few goosebumps along the way.
Janzen Reflects on the Pressure of Playing for Country
“You’re playing for your team. You’re playing for your country. The weight of all of it… it just makes for a great week.”
Lee Janzen describes Ryder Cup pressure as unlike anything else in golf. From the first tee, the intensity hits different — there’s no next tournament to fall back on. You feel it immediately, and it doesn’t let go. It’s emotionally and physically draining, but also deeply rewarding.
From Watching on TV to Wearing the Red, White & Blue
“I remember watching in ’85 and ’87… but by ‘91, it was the war by the shore, and I was on Tour by then.”
Janzen’s Ryder Cup journey began as a fan in the 1980s. By the early ’90s, he was no longer watching — he was competing. After winning the U.S. Open in 1993 and welcoming a child soon after, his rookie Ryder Cup appearance came during a whirlwind year.
Rookie Surrounded by Legends
“Ray Floyd, Lanny Wadkins, Azinger, Payne Stewart… I kept my ears open and my mouth shut.”
As the youngest player on a veteran-heavy team, Janzen soaked up every ounce of wisdom from Ryder Cup legends. From team gatherings to the national anthem at the Opening Ceremony, it was an unforgettable team environment.
Payne Stewart, USA celebrates with a bottle of champagne (Photo by Graham Chadwick/EMPICS via Getty Images)Payne Stewart’s Powerful Pep Talk
“Payne came over before my singles match. He just wanted to give me some encouragement. That meant a lot.”
Janzen credits Payne Stewart with easing some of the pressure that comes with singles play. A simple gesture from a teammate became a meaningful memory — and a difference-maker on foreign soil.
Keys to Match Play: Strike First and Don’t Let Up
“Win the first hole. Get the tee. Keep the pressure on. That was my mindset.”
In his match against José María Olazábal, Janzen focused on striking early and controlling momentum. Having honors off the tee meant more than pride — it was about maintaining pressure all the way through.
The Weight and Reward of Representing Team USA
“You put a lot into it. You get a lot out of it. I love that I got to play.”
From nerves on the first tee to joy at the end of the week, Janzen paints the Ryder Cup as the pinnacle of team golf — where focus, camaraderie, and the will to win collide.
SUTTON COLDFIELD, ENGLAND – September 26: United States Winning Ryder Cup Team Group with trophy of (br) Tom Kite, Lanny Wadkins, Raymond Floyd, John Cook, Payne Stewart, Lee Janzen, Jim Gallagher Jr, Fred Couples, Chip Beck, (fr) Corey Pavin, Davis Love III, Tom Watson, Paul Azinger after winning the 1993 30th Ryder Cup Matches at The Belfry on September 26, 1993 in Sutton Coldfield, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)On Keegan Bradley’s Captaincy
“He’s a grinder. He never stops coming at you. That energy can be contagious.”
Janzen played with Keegan Bradley early in his career and sees his relentless competitiveness as a major asset. He believes if Team USA channels Keegan’s fire, they’ll be a force at Bethpage.
Advice for the 2025 Team at Bethpage Black
“The crowds are loud. It’s going to be intense. But the formula is nothing new — they just have to execute.”
Having played the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage, Janzen knows the New York crowds bring a different level of energy. His advice? Stick to your game, embrace the pressure, and attack from the very first hole.