Lewis plays Evian after an absence
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Stacy Lewis is back at the Evian Championship. After taking off one year in protest and the next for maternity leave, the former No. 1 returns to France for the first time since 2016.
Lewis’ biggest complaint about Evian was the time of year it was held; September is rainy season in this part of the world. When the Evian became an LPGA major in 2013, tournament officials moved it from its July date to September, making it the fifth and final major on the calendar.
Lewis was vocal about the fact that it should move back to July, but her biggest statement came when she didn’t show up in 2017. She was ranked 16th in the world at the time. “It got their attention for sure,” said Lewis.
The LPGA moved the event to July this year. Twice since the Evian became a major it was reduced to 54 holes due to weather. The course was so wet in 2013 after renovation that the superintendent put plastic tarps on the greens and tees. In 2017, first-round scores were scrapped after conditions got ugly so fast that players were genuinely scared on the course.
Lewis, who gave birth to daughter Chesnee Lynn Chadwell on Oct. 25, said part of the reason she came to Evian was to better her standing in the Solheim Cup rankings. She currently is on the outside looking in and would need a captain’s pick. Lewis recently placed third in the Marathon Classic.
“I think if I can get my mind in a good spot and go with the bounces better, I really think I can play well here,” said Lewis.