Amateur Lewis claims historic LPGA triumph
Stacy Lewis made some history at the the 1.25 million NW Arkansas Championship on Sunday when she became the first amateur in 38 years to win an LPGA event.
Thanks to the weather wreaking havoc each of the first two days, the event was shortened to 18 holes and Lewis did not have to take to the course on Sunday.
The event was completed with the public unable to watch. Flooding in parking lots and safety hazards at the Pinnacle Country Club were reasons cited to not allow the public access.
The tournament originally was scheduled for 54 holes, but play was delayed for 4 1/2 hours Friday.
Play again was halted early Saturday afternoon with 32 players still having to complete the first round.
After another delay Sunday morning, the golfers finally returned to the course.
But one of the players who had played 18 holes was Lewis, who sank a 12-foot birdie putt on Saturday to complete a 7-under-par 65.
An NCAA champion at nearby Arkansas, Lewis made her putt just before heavy rain stopped play.
Lewis became the first amateur to win at LPGA event since JoAnne Carner in 1969.
Lewis won by one shot over Kristy McPherson, Teresa Lu and Katherine Hull. McPherson, Lu and Hull all completed their opening rounds on Friday.
Juli Inkster, Sherri Turner and Korean Jin Young Pak all finished two shots back.
