John Lee “J.L.” Lewis

J.L. Lewis (born July 18, 1960) is an American professional golfer who has the distinction of winning the PGA Tour twice – in 1999 and 2003. He is also the winner of the international Honda Invitational in 1999. In 2009, he published his first book, Golf Tips from the Tour.

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.