2024 AIG Women's Open: Stacy Lewis - fond memories and high hopes

Stacy Lewis has returned to St Andrews, the scene of her second Major victory at the 2013 AIG Women’s Open. The former champion, who famously claimed victory at the Old Course over a decade ago, is back at the site of one of her most cherished triumphs, ready to tackle new challenges and relive the moments that solidified her place in golf history.

A homecoming like no other

For Lewis, St Andrews is more than just another stop on the tour; it’s a place deeply intertwined with her career and personal history. "This is probably one of my favourite places in the world," she shared during a pre-tournament interview. "Obviously because of the success, but I just love the history of the game and this golf course." The sentiment is palpable as she reflects on the significance of returning to a venue where she not only won a major but also created memories with her family and friends.

The 2013 victory is still fresh in her mind, particularly the celebrations that followed. "The celebrations... being at the Dunvegan, we celebrated Curtis Cup there, celebrated my win there," Lewis recalled with a smile. The moments of triumph, particularly her unforgettable second shot on the 17th hole, remain vivid. "It's by far the best golf shot of my career. The moment, the pressure, where you are, everything has to come off perfectly."

New challenges, old wisdom

As Lewis prepares for the week ahead, she acknowledges that the conditions at St Andrews will pose a significant challenge. Reflecting on her experience from 2013, she noted that the weather has always been a critical factor. "The weather, it always is the biggest test when we come over here," she said, adding that the course itself is playing softer than it did during her previous victory, which could change the dynamics of play. "The golf course plays very different when it's wet like this."

Despite the challenges, Lewis is confident that her deep knowledge of the course will be advantageous. "Take as much local knowledge as I can and knowing where to hit it in certain situations... is definitely helpful out here," she said. Her respect for the history of St Andrews is evident, as she spoke passionately about the legacy of the course and its significance in the world of golf. "To think that my name is now on the list with all of them, to have won at St Andrews is really, really cool.”

Growth of the AIG Women's Open

Since her victory in 2013, Lewis has witnessed significant changes in the AIG Women's Open, particularly with the involvement of the R&A. "It's night and day," she said, emphasising how the tournament has grown in stature and prestige. The collaboration with the R&A, coupled with the sponsorship from AIG, has elevated the championship, allowing it to be played on some of the world’s most prestigious courses. "Just really happy as a player that has pushed for this for a long time to see where we’re going and where we’re at."

A special grouping

This week, Lewis will have the honour of playing alongside two legends of the game, Catriona Matthew and Karrie Webb. Matthew, who announced that this will be her final AIG Women's Open, holds a special place in Lewis’s heart. "Catriona, she's meant a tremendous amount to women's golf, especially here in Scotland," Lewis remarked. She also expressed her excitement about playing with Karrie Webb, a player she has long admired.

In the present moment

As she looks forward to the tournament, Lewis is also keeping an eye on the future, particularly her role as the U.S. Solheim Cup captain, in just three weeks time. Balancing her responsibilities as a player and captain, she has been closely watching rising stars like Lauren Coughlin. "Lauren is probably playing the best golf of anybody on tour right now," she noted, praising Coughlin's recent performances and her growth in confidence.

But now back to the present and the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, for fans interested in watching three legends of the game, Lewis, Matthew and Webb tee off from the 10^th tee at 7:33am on Thursday morning, as Lewis emphasised, “I get to play with her and Karrie Webb. That was like most exciting news to happen all week is my pairing.” Exciting for Lewis and very exciting for the fans.

Tickets, including limited hospitality options, are still on sale for the AIG Women’s Open and can be purchased via the AIG Women’s Open ticket page here