HOUSTON (AP) – Stacy Lewis concluded her 18-year career on the LPGA Tour on Friday, finishing with a total of 13 titles, including two major championships, and achieving the world No. 1 ranking during her tenure.
Emotions ran high as she walked the fairway with her father, Dale, who caddied for her in her final round at Memorial Park, marking a poignant moment in her retirement journey.
A Bittersweet Farewell
“I probably shouldn’t have looked at my dad,” Lewis remarked after her rounds of 79-77. “I guess my emotions are probably a lot different than theirs. They’re probably a little bit more sad, where I’m just ready. I’m ready for the next chapter and ready to stop grinding over 8-footers.”
Personal Milestones
Lewis, who is expecting her second child, played her final LPGA event while pregnant. She qualified for The Chevron Championship as a past champion, having won her first title at this major 15 years ago when it was known as the Kraft Nabisco at Mission Hills in California.
Her second major victory occurred at the Old Course in St. Andrews, where she showcased her exceptional skills in long irons and putting, solidifying her status as a top player.
A Legacy of Achievement
In 2012, Lewis became the first American to be named LPGA Player of the Year in nearly two decades, and she achieved the No. 1 ranking in the women’s world standings in early 2013.
Her husband, Gerrod Chadwell, who serves as the women’s golf coach at Texas A&M, caddied for her during the week before handing over the bag to her father for the final round.
Overcoming Adversity
Reflecting on her journey, Lewis shared, “I just think back to the kid in high school wearing a back brace and being told I have to have surgery, to 25-plus years later to still be playing golf, to be doing it at this level, to have accomplished what I did. I mean, it’s really kind of a fairytale. I don’t think anyone would have predicted any of this.”
Diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11, Lewis faced significant challenges, including wearing a back brace for 18 hours daily and undergoing surgery to correct the curvature of her spine.
A Fateful Decision
Her orthopedic surgeon, Gary Brock, initially planned to insert two rods in her back. However, after winning golf lessons through a charity raffle, he recognized her potential and suggested using a single rod for greater flexibility, allowing her to pursue golf professionally.
Thanks to that pivotal decision, Lewis went on to play at the University of Arkansas, secure an NCAA title, and build a remarkable LPGA career.
Final Moments
Lewis’s last victory came in 2020 at the Ladies Scottish Open. She also served as captain for the Solheim Cup twice and participated in four U.S. teams.
In her final round, she shared a reflective moment with her father, stating, “We were just talking about the golf course today and how it played, all the fairway woods I’ve hit into greens this week. Tried to keep it pretty casual. I knew he was going to be a little bit more emotional, so I had to finish out the round.”