What distinguishes Stacy Lewis from the typical collegiate golfer?  Is it her status as an NCAA national champion?  Is it the opportunity to represent the United States in St. Andrews, Scotland as a member of the Curtis Cup team?  Is it her three-time selection as a member of the National Golf Coaches Association All-Scholar team?  Yes; however, these accomplishments alone are not what differentiates Lewis from her peers.  Rather the obstacles that she had to overcome to achieve them are what make this University of Arkansas golfer so remarkable.

Four years ago, Lewis simply wanted to experience the sensation of freely swinging a golf club again.  Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Lewis suffered from scoliosis, a condition that causes an unnatural curvature of the spine.  To combat this condition she had to wear a back brace for years and ultimately underwent surgery after her senior year of high school.  After redshirting her freshman year at the University of Arkansas to recover from her operation, Lewis made a courageous comeback to become a three-time first-team all-SEC selection, an NCAA national champion and a fifth-place finisher in an LPGA major, all while maintaining an exceptional academic record.  Lewis’ success is a perfect example of what can result from the power of perseverance and the desire to have fun.  JuniorLinks.com recently had the opportunity to speak with Lewis about her humble golf beginnings, her noteworthy successes and her extraordinary journey.

JL - Stacy, at what age did you begin playing golf and what attracted you to the game?

SL - I started playing when I was 8.  My dad would take me and my sisters out to play.  I am the only one of us who has stuck with the game.  I just enjoyed being outside and hanging out with my parents.

JL - How did you first get involved with competitive golf?

SL - I didn’t play competitive golf until I was 11 or 12.  My first tournaments were held at the local country club or they were Houston Golf Association events.  I didn’t start playing the larger national events until right before my sophomore year of high school.

Stacy Lewis

Name: Stacy Lynn Lewis

Birthday: February 16, 1985

College: University of Arkansas

Year: Senior

Equipment: Taylor Made Burner Driver and Woods, Mizuno Irons, Titleist Wedges, Odyssey Putter

Favorite Food: Anything except sushi

Favorite TV Show: Friends

Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing

Nickname:  Lew or Louie

JL - As a junior golfer, who did you look up to for inspiration?

SL - My dad.  It was just fun to go out and play with him and I never thought then that playing golf would turn into what it is for me today.

JL - Who do you look up to for inspiration now?

SL - I like watching Tiger play the most.  I like to watch the different types of shots he hits and the way he handles himself on and off the course.

JL - What is the best piece of advice you have received up to this point in your golfing career?

SL - To be patient.  My coaches here at school have helped me not to get upset when I hit bad shots and to understand that golf is just a game and I should have fun with it like I did when I was a kid.

JL - Growing up you suffered from scoliosis and had to wear a back brace except when playing golf.  What did golf teach you about c oping with this condition off of the course?

SL - Golf was a way for me to get out of wearing my back brace and it also helped me to appreciate what I was able to do especially since I had to have surgery my senior year of high school and I couldn’t bend or twist for 6 months.

JL - What went through your head when you first found out that you would have to have back surgery?

SL - I had just signed a letter to play in college and all I wanted to do was play, so it was hard not being able to play at first.

JL - After your surgery, where did you get you motivation to get out and play again?

(Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas)

 SL - I would go to my team’s practices and I could only watch.  I just wanted to get out and play.  Now I am just glad to be out there; I don’t feel like I have to practice, I feel like I get to practice and play each day.

JL - What advice do you have for young golfers out there, specifically, those who may be dealing with adversity?

SL - Be patient and things will work out the way they are supposed to.  Enjoy what you are able to do, trust that    there is a plan and yours will occur  when you least expect it.

JL - Why did you choose to play your college golf at the University of Arkansas?

SL - I wasn’t even the best player on my high school team, so I wasn’t heavily recruited.  I made a visit to Arkansas and I loved the coach, the school and the town and I told my parents on the way home that that’s where I wanted to go to school.

JL - Throughout high school and college, your academic success has been no less impressive than your golfing success, how have you managed to balance golf and school?

SL - You have to make time to get things done.  Some days you may not be able to rest or relax as much as you’d like and other days are completely free; it’s all a balancing act.  As our coaches always remind us, we are students before athletes.  School has always been a priority to me and my parents.

JL - What is the biggest highlight of your golfing career thus far?

SL - Winning the NCAA championship last year and being selected to this year’s Curtis Cup team.

JL - Speaking of the Curtis Cup, have you ever played the Old Course at St. 

(Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas)

Andrew’s?

SL - I have never played in Scotland before, it will be interesting.   We actually had practice for the Curtis Cup last week and the team is getting along great.  We are all excited to get over there and play.

JL - Looking at your fifth-place finish at the 2007 LPGA Tour Kraft Nabisco Championship, you have shown that you can compete at the highest level, so what’s the next big step for you in your golfing career?

SL - To get my LPGA tour card for the 2008-2009 season.

JL - Lastly, you have shot 66 in the final round of the NCAA championship each of the last two years.  Do you think you have another 66 in store for this year’s NCAA championship?

SL - Why not?  I think I can.  I don’t know why I have always shot that number in the final round.  I think if I can shoot 66 again, I may be able to win another national championship.