“This is just another tough hole” - World Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson diagnosed with breast cancer

Three-time major champion Jan Stephenson has been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Stephenson’s Crossroads Foundation announced on Tuesday that the 71-year-old will go start chemo and radiation therapy sessions over the next two weeks.

Michael Vandiver, executive vice president of Jan Stephenson’s Crossroads Foundation said that it was impossible to describe what she has meant to golf all over the world with all the golfers she has been helping through her foundation.

“It means so much to me for all my friends and family to lend so much support,” said Stephenson in a release. “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!”

WPGA Tour Australasia chief executive officer Karen Lunn said the news was shocking for people in the golf industry.

“We love Jan. I just know that she’ll face it head-on, and she’ll be trying to beat it like she’s beaten everything else in her life," she added. " I'm sure that I speak for everyone in the industry and the golf world in wishing her a speedy recovery.”

Stephenson has won 41 professional titles, including 16 LPGA victories. She is also the winner of three major championship titles.

Stephenson is also a three-time Legends Tour champion on the senior circuit. Her foundation helps disabled military veterans and first responders.

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Jan Stephenson's profile

Jan Stephenson became popular in 1980s and 1990s

Jan Stephenson was born on December 22, 1951, in Sydney, Australia. She turned professional in 1973 and won her first professional title at the Wills Australian Ladies Open that year. A year later, she joined the LPGA Tour in 1974 where she was awarded LPGA Rookie of the Year.

The Sarah Coventry Naples Classic in 1976 was Stephenson's first LPGA victory. Her peak came in the early 1980s when she won all her majors in straight years, the Peter Jackson Classic in 1981 followed by the 1982 LPGA Championship and then the U.S. Women's Open in 1983.

On the golf course, Stephenson won thrice in 1981, 1983, and 1987. 1987 was her last productive year on the LPGA tour as she was unable to win again due to injury problems. She played in the 1990s as well but injuries hampered her success.

Stephenson played a significant role in establishing the Women's Senior Golf Tour where she later emerged victorious. In 2003, she made history by becoming the first female golfer to compete in the Turtle Bay Championship of the Champions Tour, although she finished in last place.

Jan Stephenson is one of the very few females who also has a presence in the field of golf course design. She has also created an exercise video specifically for individuals with arthritis.

List of all Jan Stephenson's LPGA wins

• Sarah Coventry Naples Classic
• Birmingham Classic
• Women's International
• Sun City Classic
• Peter Jackson Classic
• Mary Kay Classic
• United Virginia Bank Classic
• LPGA Championship
• Lady Keystone Open
• Tucson Conquistadores LPGA Open
• Lady Keystone Open
• U.S.
• GNA Classic
• Japan Ayako Okamoto
• Safeco Classic
• Konica San Jose Classic

Legends Tour wins

• 2000 HyVee Classic
• 2007 Handa Australia Cup
• 2021 BJ's Charity Championship (with Laura Diaz)