She was born in Ohio and lives in Texas, but Arkansas is just as much home for Stacy Lewis. It’s a place with roots, as the four-time All American at the University of Arkansas readies for her 14th career start in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.
“It’s a homecoming every year, coming back to a place you’re comfortable,” said Lewis, a 13-time LPGA Tour champion including the 2014 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. “I say it every year, but I love it here. The way everyone welcomes me, it feels like I’m from here. Everywhere I go, whether it’s a dinner or just around town, I see people and they’re wishing me good luck.”
In her 13 previous appearances at Pinnacle Country Club, Lewis has never missed a cut and captured six top-10 finishes.
“I think it's being familiar with the golf course. Obviously played it a lot in college and I know how to play it,” Lewis said. “Having good vibes and the fan support, it does add some amount of pressure but helps you play better. I love being here. You get up out of bed with a smile on your face and there is definitely something to be said for that in this game.”
While her focus is on the task at hand in Rogers, Ark., her eyes will be on the gridiron come Saturday for the matchup between her alma mater and Texas A&M. Lewis’ husband Gerrod Chadwell was named the head coach for the Aggies women’s golf team in June and the couple’s allegiances have slightly altered since.
“I have my Razorbacks head cover with me everywhere I go. It seems to be every city we’re in I get a, ‘Go Hogs,’ or a ‘Woo Pig Sooie.’ I just love the reach of this university and how special it is to everybody that lives here,” said Lewis. “And I will say, my husband, who is now the coach of Texas A&M, we got a big football game this weekend and I will be cheering for the Hogs. There is no doubt there.”
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