Tom Lehman Hits a Half Century
One of golf’s great players turns 50 with no sign of taking it easy

On March 7 Tom Lehman reached one of many milestones. He celebrated his 50th birthday with a surprise getaway to Bora Bora, arranged by his wife, Melissa. Golf was banished from the island utopia—almost. Lehman admits to having fun “hitting balls on the beach in Bora Bora into the surf. ”

At 50 years young, Lehman is still aspiring to win not only on the Champions Tour but on the PGA Tour. His plan is to play a minimum of 15 events on the PGA Tour and about seven on the Champions Tour.

Lehman’s debut as a Champion player will come at the Legends of Golf in Savannah, Ga., where he will partner with former Ryder Cup rival Bernhard Langer. Lehman, who ranks 20th in career earnings on the PGA Tour, has his sights set on all the Champions Tour Majors. He’ll also play the British Open in Turnberry and likely return to Loch Lomond for the Scottish Open, where he had such a great win in 1997.

The Big 5-0 is a moment for reflecting. Looking back, Lehman feels his best accomplishment was always being competitive and never giving up, exactly what helped him win the 1996 British Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes—his first major. He also broke the Links course record with a sizzling 64.

He views the 1999 Ryder Cup as his second great accomplishment. “After playing on three Ryder Cup teams, finally winning the Cup back in 1999 at Brookline was so special,” he says. He contributed in a large way to that win by putting the first mark up for the U.S. team in its drive to come from behind to take the Cup. “Playing for my country,” he adds, “was always a primary objective.”

The Ryder Cup has loomed large in Lehman’s career. H was honored to be nominated captain of the 2006 United States team, whose mission at the K Club was to win back the Cup held by the Europeans since 2001. Lehman’s leadership and toughness earned him the respect of his players.

Phil Mickelson clearly stated team sentiment when he said, “Tom is what true professional golfers should be. The way that he treats people, he’s a perfect captain for us. We look at him as a role model and as a leader.”

Lehman pursued all the viable strategies and did his utmost to captain the U.S. team to a win, but it was not to be.

A late bloomer in golf, Lehman got a last-minute golf scholarship at the University of Minnesota and turned pro after graduation in 1982. During the next decade he was off the tour more than on it, and played a variety of mini-tours from South Africa to Asia. He boils down that vagabond existence this way: “You haven’t been a golf pro if you haven’t slept in your car.”

One thing he has never lost is his sense of humor.

Since 1992 Lehman has been a fixture on tour and on the leaderboards of most Majors. He was the 1996 Player of the Year, a Vardon Trophy winner and has topped the official money list.

But it was a 2007 recognition that brought much emotion with it. “Being presented the Byron Nelson Prize in 2007 was humbling, “ he says. “I have been inspired in my life by Byron Nelson to be a better golfer, but more importantly to be a better person.”

Lehman donated the $100,000 prize to the McKenzie Monks Foundation, which helps kids cope with cancer. “This was really such a special accomplishment for me,” he adds. “It is right up there with the number-one world ranking.”

Lehman has always been a man of faith, of family and friendships. “My parents, Melissa, my kids, my friends all have poured effort, support into making the milestones of my life. We have achieved together. God has been very good to me for putting wonderful people in my life.”

He is committed to helping others. Currently his main focus is directed to several organizations: Hope Kids in Minnesota and Phoenix, and the Phoenix Rescue Mission and its Phoenix Changing Lives Center.

Lehman has also joined the ranks of players-turned-golf-course-designers. He started out collaborating with some big names in design, then in 2003 formed Lehman Design Group with Chris Brands. They have created outstanding new courses and worked on great remodeling projects across North America.

“I will continue to be active in design,” Lehman says. “Sadly, the current economic climate isn’t helping any of us.”

While the economy may be faltering, part of Lehman’s enduring legacy will be the quality golf courses he and his team have created.

In looking back at his past quarter century in golf. Lehman says there is one thing he would do differently. “I did a complete overhaul on my putting; it didn’t work, and after three years of frustration and not the success I wanted, I went to the long putter.”

Along the way, many offered support and advice, but one letter in particular touched Lehman. The letter came from Tom Day, a North Dakota golfer and quadriplegic.

“Stop thinking about the 19 missed putts when you finished second on Tour,” wrote Day, “or the ones to win the Masters or U.S. Open; you can’t change them. They are gone.”

Day’s fortitude and focus helped Lehman, and the two have stayed in contact.

“With today’s hindsight,” says Lehman, “I would have stuck with my putting and chipping technique but worked on being more consistent, grooved with the same stroke. You have to believe in your system in putting to win. To win, you must be a good putter.”

Turning 50 does not mean slowing down for Lehman, who remains one of golf’s great personalities and true gentlemen. There are more tournaments to win, more courses to design, more children to help and family and friends with whom to share those special moments—all while accomplishing new milestones.

Susanne Kemper is a contributing writer to Colorado Golf Magazine