In a recent one-on-one interview with Toledo-born Stacy Lewis, the top-ranked female golfer in the world covered a wide range of subjects.
Lewis, 29, just won her third title of the year and has finished inside the Top 10 in 12 of 14 starts in 2014.
After taking the first-round lead with a nearly perfect 3-under-par 67 at the U.S. Women’s Open, Lewis struggled in the second and third rounds at Pinehurst to finish runner-up, two shots behind Michelle Wie.
“You know, I’m a grinder, I’m a fighter,” Lewis said. “I was happy to finish off the tournament strong and just to know that I can miss a few shots and still have a chance to win.”
Asked to rate the best young players on the LPGA Tour right now, Lewis praised Lexi Thompson.
“I think she has the length and is the best ball-striker on tour. She also has the touch around the greens and is figuring out her putting. I think Lexi is going to be around for a long, long time.”
I asked her about teenage sensation Lydia Ko, who has no apparent weaknesses and is solid in every aspect of her game.
“She is very, very consistent. It’s that boring golf when you play with her; she doesn’t do anything flashy, but she is always there.
“Lydia’s biggest thing is how she will transition over the next couple of years. She has turned professional at a very young age and will be growing up in the limelight. It will be important how she and her team manage the next few years and allow her to be a kid and have some fun.”
Lewis feels Wie’s success this season has been something that has been building over the past three seasons.
“She is happy and has taken ownership of her game,” Lewis said. “For example, she chose that putting stroke and stance despite what everyone else was saying, made it her own and made it work for her.”
Lewis, Thompson, Ko and Wie will be in Sylvania July 17-20 for the Marathon Classic.
The complete interview can be heard at http://bit.ly/backninelewis.
