Stacy Lewis Bio
Stacy Lewis (born February 16, 1985) is an American professional golfer on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. She has won two major championships: the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011 and the Women’s British Open in 2013. She was ranked number one in the Women’s World Golf Rankings for four weeks in 2013 and reclaimed the position in June 2014 with a victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic for another 21 weeks. Known for her resilience and competitive spirit, Lewis has made a significant impact on women’s golf throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Stacy Lewis was born in Toledo, Ohio, and grew up in The Woodlands, Texas, just outside of Houston. She graduated from The Woodlands High School in 2003. Diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11, Lewis underwent spinal fusion surgery during her high school years, which caused her to miss her first collegiate golf season while recovering from the procedure. Despite this setback, she persevered and went on to have a successful amateur career.
Path to Golf
Lewis was a decorated amateur golfer and a four-time All-American at the University of Arkansas. After redshirting her first year due to her back surgery, she made a remarkable comeback by winning the Southeastern Conference Tournament and earning the title of SEC Freshman Golfer of the Year in 2005. In 2006, she won the Women’s Western Amateur, and in 2007, she captured the NCAA Division I Championship, which led to her recognition as Golf Digest Amateur of the Year. Her success continued as she became the first player to go 5-0 in a single Curtis Cup in 2008, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the sport.
Stacy Lewis Career
Early Career (2008-2011)
Following her Curtis Cup victory, Stacy Lewis turned professional in June 2008. She competed in seven events on the LPGA Tour that year, achieving two top-10 finishes and earning over $247,000. In 2011, she claimed her first official professional victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, a major tournament where she held off the defending champion, Yani Tseng, to win by three strokes. This victory marked the beginning of her ascent in professional golf.
Breakthrough (2012-2014)
Lewis’s breakthrough year came in 2012 when she won four tournaments, including the prestigious LPGA Player of the Year award, becoming the first American to win this honor since 1994. She continued her success in 2013, winning three tournaments and achieving the number one ranking in the Women’s World Golf Rankings for the first time. Her second major victory came at the Women’s British Open in 2013, where she finished with a score of 280, two strokes ahead of her closest competitors. In 2014, she added to her accolades by winning the LPGA Tour Money Winner title and her second LPGA Player of the Year award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Stacy Lewis has achieved significant milestones, including winning the LPGA Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 2013 and 2014. She has also made notable contributions to the sport through her philanthropic efforts, including pledging her earnings from a tournament to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in 2017.
Stacy Lewis Award Nominations
Stacy Lewis has received numerous nominations throughout her career, reflecting her outstanding performance and contributions to the sport of golf.
Stacy Lewis Awards Won
Lewis has won several prestigious awards, including the LPGA Player of the Year in 2012 and 2014, the GWAA Female Player of the Year in the same years, and the LPGA Vare Trophy in 2013 and 2014. She also received the Golf Digest Amateur of the Year award in 2007 and the Dinah Shore Trophy Award in the same year. In 2025, she was honored with The Founders Award.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| LPGA Player of the Year | 2 | 2012, 2014 |
| GWAA Female Player of the Year | 2 | 2012, 2014 |
| LPGA Vare Trophy | 2 | 2013, 2014 |
| LPGA Tour Money Winner | 1 | 2014 |
| Golf Digest Amateur of the Year | 1 | 2007 |
| Dinah Shore Trophy Award | 1 | 2007 |
| The Founders Award | 1 | 2025 |
Stacy Lewis Family
Stacy Lewis is married to Gerrod Chadwell, who has been the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies women’s golf team since 2021. The couple has one child together.
Personal Life
Lewis maintains a relatively private personal life but is known for her dedication to her family and her commitment to the sport. She has been an advocate for various charitable causes and continues to inspire young golfers through her achievements and leadership.
