TOLEDO, Ohio ā Two months after a season-best Top Ten finish in the 2024 LPGA Dana Open, Stacy Lewis has bagged her biggest achievement this year.
The captain of Team USA took her group of 12 Americans to Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, and strategized a lineup that would help secure a Solheim Cup victory. Entering the final day of competition on Sept. 15, in which the U.S. led Europe 10-6, Lewis made sure to offer support for each of her teammates prior to teeing off.
"I told every single player on Sunday at the first tee box, 'you go take care of that point,' because that's all you can do," Lewis said. "Let me worry about the rest. Throughout the week I was helping caddies with the wind and fed them information on how the course was playing."
With a victory hanging in the balance, 26-year-old Lilia Vu delivered a clinching birdie shot on the 18th hole to give the U.S. its first Cup win since 2017.
Following an invitation to lead the United States in 2023 (where USA and Europe tied 14-14 in Spain), Lewis said being asked to captain again was "an honor." Although her impact in the 2026 Solheim Cup remains to be seen, the 39-year-old confirmed she'll have a presence in some capacity given this most recent experience.
"One of the most fun weeks I've ever had on a golf course. Getting to do that and getting to lead your team, watching them thrive in those moments and pull off those shots." Lewis said. "Just really proud and sad that the week is over to be honest."
As for her professional career, the 13-time LPGA winner is expected to make one final start this season at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G in Rogers, Arkansas, before deciding to take the rest of the year off.
Lewis has won over $14 million in earnings since turning pro in 2009. However, this season has been a struggle playing with four cuts made in 17 starts. She's not ready to use the term "retire" just yet but is excited for what the next chapter of her life will be.
"I don't think I've spent a full week at home since May, so I need a break. My daughter just started school and I think I'll play a little bit next year, I don't think this is it by any means," Lewis said. "Life is changing and I think some other opportunities to do other things are going to pop up that I'm excited about. Definitely looking toward what's next for sure."
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