Plunging into the Winner’s Circle…In a Major Way

After the World’s #1 Yani Tseng passed 36-hole leader Stacy Lewis to lead by 2 strokes entering the final round of the Kraft Nabisco, the LPGA’s first major of 2011, it seemed all but academic for a Sunday stroll for the Tapaian Tseng. But as the winds picked up in Rancho Mirage, CA and the scores skyrocketed it was the former Arkansas Razorback Lewis, who stood up to the challenge.

Lewis’ impressive final round 69 in the face of the #1 player in the world, showed that there is more promise in the 26 year old then she has shown in her first two full seasons on the LPGA. Although she was able to score a few top 10 finishes in her first two seasons, she had not cashed in a title like she was predictably supposed to after her outstanding play in her first professional appearance at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen. She lead after the opening round in that event only to fall short in a tie for 3rd, a distant five shots behind winner Inbee Park. That event seemed to pave the way for immediate success for the former razorback…but it just never came.

In 2009 she finished a mediocre 47th on the money list, mustering just under $300,000, with a T4 as her best finish. That season also included a T9 at the LPGA championship. She improved a bit in 2010 finishing 21st on the money list grossing over $550,000, while finishing second to Ai Miyazato in the Tres Marias Championship in Mexico. But she still only compiled four top ten finishes (none in majors) throughout all of the 2010 season. All of this makes this breakout performance in the first major of 2011 unexpected, but not surprising.

Lewis struggled at a young age with scoliosis, which caused her to wear a back brace through much of her young life. But after clearing up the issue, it gave her the determination to move forward and become one of the better players growing up in her age group. She complied a very impressive amateur record winning such accolades as SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Player of the Year, National Champion (Individual), along with many tournament victories. She was also a member of the winning 2008 US Curtis Cup team where she became the first ever to go 5-0 in that event! Those finishes along with that strong finish in the 2008 U.S. Woman’s Open, were all reasons why many thought she was poised to be a threat on the LPGA.

This big first career win may open the floodgates for Lewis, who has already collected over $370,000 in earnings in 2011, putting her third in overall standings. Also, her seemingly head to head victory over the top rated player in a major, shows she can win anytime, anywhere, and under any set of circumstances. Lewis no doubt earned the victory plunge she and her family made into Poppy’s Pond off the 18th green at Mission Hills Country Club. Although not without collateral damage...as her mother fractured her leg after making the leap! I guess the least Stacy can do is pay the medical bills, right?