Lewis makes most of shot on 18

ROGERS — Though out of contention for winning the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship she won once as a Lady Razorback in 2007 and for her last LPGA victory in 2014, Stacy Lewis made the most of her second to last shot in Sunday’s final round.

Her superb approach shot, helped by a backwards roll, left a short birdie putt on 18 and a tied for fourth 13-under par finish with Michelle Wie for the tournament which was won by So Yeon Ryu of South Korea finishing the three-day tournament at 16-under par.

Amy Yang finished second at 14 under par.

“The shot on 18 was really cool,” Lewis said. “I thought I pulled it a little bit too much, but it got a nice little kick off the bunker, and I knew the backstop was there. It would gave been cool if it went in, but it was just a nice way to finish and finish off a good hole.”

Lewis began Sunday in second place at 11-under, five behind Ryu.

Her longshot at catching up totally evaporated on Sunday’s 11th and 13th holes.

“Eleven was just a bad swing and made a bogey,” Lewis said. “And

13, play left to go out of the rough, and it goes right. It’s just part of the game. I thought I did a pretty good job of sticking to my game plan. I was just a few putts here and there from giving it a run and making

18 matter a little more. If that tee ball stays a title bit shorter in the fairway, it’s a different story. But it’s part of the game that shows the game is not far off. It’s right there. It’s so close. I’m excited.”

The Women’s PGA looms this week.

“We’ve got majors coming up, and I am excited where my game is now,” Lewis said.

Lewis said coming back to Arkansas remains as fun as ever.

“As tired as I am this week it’s

so much fun,” Lewis said. “There’s no place like this on tour and the way the fans support us and come here to watch the golf. The fans were unbelievable for me and also So Yeon, they were cheering her on as well. I just love this week. I wish we could have four of these a year.”

Lewis played Sunday’s round with Ryu who shot a tournament record 61 Saturday.

“So Yeon has played great for a year now, so I am not surprised,” Lewis said. “She did exactly what she needed to do today. She made some good par putts, especially there on the backside. She played really good.”

Former Razorback Gaby Lopez completed the tournament tied for 10th at 10 under par.