Interview with San Diego Native LPGA Golfer Jennifer Johnson

There’s JLo, JayZ and JT—and now there is J3. Jennifer Jean Johnson, an LPGA champion whose moniker is custom-stamped on all of her golf gear.

She spent her freshman year at Cathedral Catholic, moved to Palm Springs and completed three years at Desert Christian High School. Johnson played on the Desert Christian boy’s golf team during her junior and senior years because the school didn’t have a girl’s team. She then played for one year at Arizona State University, becoming an All-American as a freshman before turning professional in 2010 by playing on several U.S. amateur teams.

Johnson is a San Diego native and a rising golf champion who, at just 22 years of age, won her first professional tournament by one stroke this year at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic.

"When I knew I was going to win my first LPGA event, there wasn’t much going through my mind except I was more in shock from the excitement," Johnson said. "I always knew I could win, but I still surprised myself."

Sports agent Mike Ford said he was not surprised.

"I have been following Jennifer since her first amateur golf tournament in San Diego years ago," Ford said. "Her passion and love for the game is incredible. But her hard work, determination and drive to be the best are characteristics of a champion."

Johnson credits her "personal goals and competitive fire" for pushing her to "keep working hard."

"My hero is Annika Sorenstam," she said. "Her work ethic, focus and ability to not get distracted are the best the game has ever seen. I also get into the winning zone mentally with productive practices. My coach Steve Bann has me doing a lot of games to create a little pressure similar to competitions."

Her daily fitness regimen is a specially tailored program by her personal trainer, Mike Butler, which she follows three to four times a week. "For recreation, though, I like to walk on the beach," Johnson admitted. "I am mindful of my diet, but I still eat what I want most of the time. I try to make sure I have a good balance of protein, fruit and vegetables. But my favorite comfort food is Mexican. I love cheese enchiladas."

A rabid San Diego Chargers fan, Johnson’s sponsor, Bridgestone Golf had a Chargers golf ball and hat custom made to wear in her downtime, as she faithfully cheers on her home team every possible chance she gets.

Johnson says the hardest part about being a pro golfer is the travel, especially overseas.

"It definitely takes a toll on your mind and body," she said. "Although, when playing recreationally, I walk. A cart doesn’t really save time, and I like to keep my muscles loose."

Her dream course to play on? Pebble Beach.

"I still have yet to tee it up there," she admitted.

Standing at 5’8", J3 is a clean cut American who supports the Wounded Warriors project because she feels so blessed with her life.

"We all wouldn’t be here without the men and women defending this country," she said.

With this mindfulness and her only guilty pleasure being an iced tea latte, could J3 be America’s next sweetheart—with a killer swing?