Stacy Lewis, American golfer
Stacy Lewis, born on February 16, 1985, is a highly respected American professional golfer whose distinguished career has left an indelible mark on the U.S.-based Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour. Known for her tenacity, consistent performance, and inspiring journey, Lewis has achieved some of the sport's most prestigious accolades.
The Illustrious Career of Stacy Lewis
From her early days to becoming a global golf icon, Stacy Lewis's career is a testament to perseverance and skill. Her significant accomplishments include multiple major championships and a historic reign as the world's top-ranked female golfer.
Early Life and Amateur Dominance
Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Stacy Lewis's path to professional golf was marked by both exceptional talent and significant personal challenge. She notably attended the University of Arkansas, where she became a four-time All-American, showcasing her prowess in collegiate golf. Her amateur career was distinguished, laying the foundation for her future professional success. Remarkably, Lewis also navigated her early life and golf career while managing scoliosis, undergoing back surgery during her senior year of high school and competing with a spinal fusion. This personal journey has made her an inspiring figure, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination.
Major Championship Victories: Defining Moments
Lewis solidified her place among golf's elite by capturing two major championships, which are widely considered the pinnacle of professional golf. These victories were not only triumphs of skill but also moments that defined her career.
- 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship: This marked her breakthrough major win and her first-ever LPGA Tour victory. Held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, Lewis delivered a stunning performance. Her victory was particularly significant as it prevented then-world No. 1 Yani Tseng from winning a fourth consecutive major, showcasing Lewis's ability to perform under immense pressure and against top competition.
- 2013 Women's British Open: Lewis claimed her second major title at the historic Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. This win further cemented her status as a top competitor and added a prestigious international major to her growing list of achievements. Winning on such a revered course, known as the "Home of Golf," is a dream for many professionals.
Ascension to World No. 1
One of the most significant achievements in Stacy Lewis's career was her rise to the top of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, a feat that reflects consistent excellence and dominance in the sport.
- First Reign in 2013: On March 17, 2013, Lewis ascended to the number one position in the Women's World Golf Rankings, holding the coveted spot for four consecutive weeks. This made her only the second American player, following Cristie Kerr, to reach the top spot since the rankings were introduced in 2006, highlighting a significant moment for American golf.
- Reclaiming the Top Spot in 2014: Demonstrating her enduring form, Lewis reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking in June 2014, following her victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. She held this position for an impressive 21 additional weeks, bringing her total time at the pinnacle of women's golf to 25 weeks. Her consistency in remaining at the top for an extended period underscores her world-class ability during that era.
Beyond Majors and Rankings: A Stellar Career
Stacy Lewis's career is much more than just her major wins and time at world No. 1. She boasts multiple LPGA Tour victories and has been a crucial member of the U.S. Solheim Cup team on four occasions (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017), representing her country with pride. Her consistent high-level play also earned her the prestigious Rolex Player of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2014, as well as the Vare Trophy in 2014 for recording the lowest scoring average on the LPGA Tour. These accolades further underscore her status as one of the most decorated American female golfers of her generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stacy Lewis
- When was Stacy Lewis born?
- Stacy Lewis was born on February 16, 1985.
- How many major championships has Stacy Lewis won?
- Stacy Lewis has won two major championships: the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011 and the Women's British Open in 2013.
- How long was Stacy Lewis ranked World No. 1 in women's golf?
- Stacy Lewis held the number one position in the Women's World Golf Rankings for a total of 25 weeks, initially for four weeks in 2013 and then for an additional 21 weeks in 2014 after her victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
- What is the LPGA Tour?
- The LPGA Tour (Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour) is the premier professional golf tour for women globally, primarily based in the United States, featuring events around the world.
- What is Stacy Lewis known for besides her golf achievements?
- Stacy Lewis is also widely recognized for her inspiring journey with scoliosis. She underwent back surgery as a teenager and competed throughout her career with a spinal fusion, demonstrating remarkable resilience and serving as an advocate for scoliosis awareness.