Bio

%’5”, brown hair...Credits her father, George Merten, as the individual most influencing her career, as well as her current teacher Mike McGetrick from Meridian Country Club in Denver, Joe Sindelar (PGA Tour pro Joey Sindelar’s father) and Fran Pirozzolo, her sports psychologist from Houston...Married Louis Capano, Jr. on June 18, 1994...Maiden name is Peterson…Competed as Lauri Peterson from 1983-87 and Lauri Merten-Peterson in 1988…Enjoys cooking, mellow jazz and gardening...Qualified for the Tour on second attempt.

Career Highlights

In 1996, best finish was 12th place at the LPGA Corning Classic.

In 1995, top finishes were ties for ninth at both the HEALTHSOUTH Inaugural and the LPGA Corning Classic.

In 1994, recorded a career-low score of 64 during the final round of the HEALTHSOUTH Palm Beach Classic, where she finished second; also tied for second at the Chrysler-Plymouth Tournament of Champions; crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings.

In 1993, achieved her most successful season ever by winning $394,744, which is more than her previous eight seasons combined; totaled eight top-10 finishes, including a win at the U.S. Women’s Open, her third career win and first major title; also finished second at the Mazda LPGA Championship, one of the LPGA Tour’s four major championships.

In 1992, best finish was a tie for eighth at the Sara Lee Classic.

In 1991, best finish was a tie for 18th at the LPGA Corning Classic.

In 1990, top finish was a tie for ninth at the Stratton Mountain LPGA Classic.

In 1989, season-best performance was a tie for fifth at the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic.

In 1988, best finish was ninth place at the Rochester International.

In 1987, posted four top-10 finishes, including a tie for third in the Mazda Classic.

In 1986, top finish was a tie for fifth at the Rail Charity Classic.

In 1985, best finish was a tie for fourth at the Women’s Kemper Open.

In 1984, collected her second win at the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic and posted five additional top-10 finishes.

In 1983, as a rookie, won her first event at the Rail Charity Golf Classic by defeating Judy Ellis in a sudden-death playoff.

Amateur
Merten captured the 1978 Arizona State High School Championship and State Junior Match Play Championship. She won the Arizona Match Play title in 1980 and was the 1980-81 Western Collegiate Athletic Association champion. She was named to the 1982 AIAW All-America Team.