Jane Crafter

Home Town - Adelaide, South Australia. Now resides in Wellington, Florida

What got you into golf? Who Helped You. Who encouraged you ?

My father Brian was a well known professional golfer in Adelaide. My brother and I started playing whith his help and coaching when we were about 6 or 7. I learned so much from him. He really tought me the the fundamentals and a good work and practice ethic.

Brief playing history

First swung a club when I was 3-4 yrs. Began playing at the Par 3 in Adelaide at the age of 6-7. Had a great time. Lots of fun and the whole family played. Began playing more serioiusly when I was 13-14 at Flagstaff Hill where Dad was the pro. Progressed from there. Won State Amateur 3 times, represented SA many times and then represented Australia in many overseas events winning NZ Amateur, Belgan Amateur, runner up in Austarlian Amateur '77 and runner up in Canadian Amateur '80. Turned pro Dec '80

Who are the people who have most influenced you ?

My Father Brian, Wiffi Smith, DeDE Owens, Donna White

What do you recall as your greatest moments in your career and how did it make you feel ?

There have been a few !!! My first official win in the US LPGA tour in 1990 when I holed a 40' putt to beat the great Nancy Lopez - that was awsome ! a feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Ten my fiisrt opf 2 Australian Ladies Masters in 1992 was a geat thrill - great to win at home. Both were extremely satisfying !

What are your greatest challenges ?

Now to maintain my enthusiasm and motivation to play on the tour. As I have gotten older, the desire to practice as much as i used to has wained. I still love to compete, but I do not wish to many events as I have in previous years. Also its a challenge to stay fit and healthy !

Where do you see yourself today and where do you want to be in 5 years ?

I see myself as having a number of strings to my bow. I love to play, commentate for the LPGA on TV for NBC and ESPN and write for Golf Digest magazine. We are currently working on establishing a Senior Golf Tour for women over 40 and I see myself gradually going in that direction - there is a good market I feel for us !

What feelings motivate you when playing in high level competition ?

I go into every event to win ! The monetary aspect will take care of itself if I play well. It is great to be able to do what you love to do for your living, and I love playing golf on the LPGA.

What do you do when you are not playing golf ?

I have a home in Wellington, Florida which is in West Palm Beach. I live on a canal that goes into a large lake, so I can use my small boat to go fishing. I have 2 cats, Sugar and Spice, who I adopted in 1994 when they were kittens. I love to be with them, and try not to be gone longer than 3-4 weeks from them. I miss them ! I also collect golf antiques, teddy bears and beanie babies, and have a large wine collection ( mostly Australian ! ) I love gardening and have over 200 orchids on my back screened patio. So all those hobbies keep me busy and entertained !

Read about detailed CAREER HISTORY courtesy of US LPGA