Former Arkansas standout Stacy Lewis won her eighth LPGA tournament with a three-shot victory at the Founders Cup on Sunday (March 17) in Phoenix.
Lewis’ victory earned her $225,000 but, more importantly, moved her to No. 1 in the world rankings. Lewis, 28, is the second American woman to take over the top spot since the rankings were created in 2006 joining Cristie Kerr, who was No. 1 for five weeks in 2010.
Lewis ended Yani Tseng’s 106-week reign as the world’s No. 1. Lewis was the LPGA Player of the Year in 2012
Ai Miyazato had a four-stroke lead over Lewis before the final round, but Lewis shot a 8-under 64 at the Desert Ridge course to finish at a tournament-record 23-under 265. Miyazato was leading by one stroke when she made a double bogey on the 16th hole after taking an unplayable lie.
Lewis’ birdie on the same hole created a three-shot swing and gave her a two-stroke advantage. She made another birdie on 17 for a commanding three-shot lead.
Lewis won 12 tournaments, including the 2007 national title, during her career at Arkansas. She was inducted in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame this year.
