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Lewis wins British Open
ST. ANDREWS, Scotland --
Former University of Arkansas women's golfer Stacy Lewis fired an even
par 72 in the final round of the Ricoh Women's British Open moving into
lead on Sunday. Lewis hung on to win despite a challenge by Na
Yeon Choi who finished second.
Lewis, of The Woodlands, Texas,
was three-back much of the day but back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18
combined with bogeys by the leader, helped Lewy move up the
leaderboard. Lewis shot 67-72-69-72=280 for the tournament.
"I
felt so comfortable all week," Lewis said. "To finish the way I
did was just awesome. I love this place. I love the history
that surrounds it. I putted well and stayed with it all
week. Travis (her caddie) and I played three practice rounds and
I felt really prepared this week."
Choi had the lead until
Leiws' strong finish. Choi had to birdie the final two holes of
her round to pass Lewis. She shot par on the 17th and tried to
eagle the 18th but was unable to win or force a playoff with Lewis.
Strong
winds forced players off the course in Saturday's round and Lewis' day
began with a 4 a.m. alarm on Sunday as she had to finish the previous
days play. She played 36 holes on Sunday as she moved into the
lead on the final hole.
Lewis refused an interview with ESPN2
instead hitting the putting green to practice in case of a
playoff. She came off the course with her nearest competitor four
holes behind her.
With the Lewis win, she and former
Razorback John Daly will have both with the British Open. The
Lewis victory is the first major win for her since the 2011 Kraft
Nabisco and she is only the second American woman to win this event.
Lewis'
win ends a 10-event drought for Americans in LPGA Majors. She is
the only American who has won more than one major in the last five
years.
Lewis' former coach and current Razorback head coach
Shauna Estes-Taylor and husband Adam were on hand in Scotland this
week. Lewis came off the course on 18 and hugged Estes-Taylor
after her round.
Lewis has played the Old Course at St. Andrews before becoming the first player to go 5-0 in Curtis Cup play in
Lewis
is a member of the 2013 Solheim Cup beginning Aug. 12, at the Colorado
Golf Club in Parker, Colo. Lewis entered the week with 857 points
leading the field.
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