Stacy Lewis Wins 2013 Women’s British Open

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — Stacy Lewis, the former University of Arkansas women’s golfer, fired an even-par 72 in the final round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open and held off a late a challenge by Na Yeon Choi to win her second major chamiponship at the home of golf, the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Lewis, who was ranked the No. 1 women’s golfer in the world earlier this spring, but then dropped a spot behind three-time major winner Inbee Park, was three shots behind much of Sunday, but back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18 combined with bogeys by the leader, helped Lewis atop the leaderboard. Lewis shot 67-72-69-72—280, playing 36 holes on Sunday after high winds suspended the third round Saturday.

“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 Lewis’ strong finish. Choi had to birdie the final two holes of her round to pass Lewis. She parred the 17th and needed an eagle on 18th but was unable to playoff with Lewis.

Lewis’ day began with a 4 a.m. alarm Sunday as she had to finish the previous days play. After finishing 72 hole, Lewis refused an interview with ESPN2, instead hitting the putting green for 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 have both won British Open and both have won two majors. Lewis’ first major victory came in  the 2011 Kraft Nabisco and she is only the second American woman to win the Women’s British Open.

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.

Stacy Lewis’ college coach, the Razorbacks women’s golf coach Shauna Estes-Taylor, was with Lewis on the course and provided an insider’s view via Twitter.

[tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/364089388042440704] [tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/364056891640401920] [tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/364030407609577472] [tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/363992342325231616] [tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/363966073231523840] [tweet https://twitter.com/EstesTaylor/status/362883476724273152]