A three-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Gamer member has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, her foundation announced Thursday. Jan Stephenson, a 71-year-old Australian native, will begin treatment with chemotherapy and radiation in the next couple of weeks.
Stephenson released a statement via her “Crossroads Foundation” and was seemingly in good spirits as she began her battle with cancer.
“It means so much to me for all my friends and family to lend so much support,” Stephenson said in a statement via ESPN. “I have had some negative challenges in my career and managed to survive. This is just another tough hole that is ‘uphill and against the wind.’ See you on my next downhill and downwind hole!”
Stephenson turned professional in 1973 and became a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) a year later. She was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2019 and also received the Order of Australia Medal after an illustrious career that included 41 worldwide victories. Stephenson won three majors and was one major victory away, only needing the Kraft Nabisco Championship, to complete the career Grand Slams. She also won 16 LPGA events during her career.
Stephenson is revered as one of the most influential female athletes of her time.
[ESPN]
