In 2020, Stacy Lewis was adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic way of the world. The Marathon LPGA Classic, which is usually bursting at the seams with fans flocking to Highland Meadows Golf Club, was nearly empty. In her 14th appearance in the event, Lewis earned a T9 result and used the finish as momentum into a win the following week at the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. It was her first victory since 2017 and since becoming an #LPGAMom to daughter Chesnee. She said it has been a difficult year navigating the pandemic – especially with a 2-year-old – but after a fan-less 2020, is happy to feel a sense of normalcy return to an event like the Marathon LPGA Classic.
“It's crazy to think it's been a year since -- I guess not quite a calendar year, but just all that we've gone through with the testing and the different protocols to get to where we are today having fans, doing a pro-am, having a pro-am party last night,” said Lewis. “It's just nice to have things back to normal a little bit. Have some energy back on the golf course. It's not so quiet. Kids running around is the best thing. So I'm glad we are where we are now.”
A native of Toledo, Ohio, before moving to Texas, Lewis remembers returning to the area often over Fourth of July holiday weekends to watch the then-named Jamie Farr Classic, and cares fondly for the surrounding community. That makes working toward a potential appearance in this year’s Solheim Cup at nearby Inverness Club even more motivating for Lewis. After a T12 finish at last week’s Volunteers of America Classic, Lewis said she missed a Team USA practice session at the club, but with captain Pat Hurst’s blessing. “So it was a long trip getting here, but Pat understands. It was a good reason. I was in those last couple groups, and she would rather see me play good golf and miss one round at Inverness.”
Currently ranked No. 11 on the U.S. Solheim Points Standings, Lewis said it would be an honor to return to Toledo in September to represent the red, white and blue for the fifth time.
“It would be unbelievable. It would be everything. To be born here, this was my first LPGA event was here in Ohio. My parents are from here. It would mean everything to play in this tournament. I don't know, I love Solheim Cups. I love -- it's so special,” said Lewis. “But it would be probably be one of the highlights of my career.”
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