Lewis is in the mix for the gold
American makes 11 birdies, shoots a 63
RIO DE JANEIRO — Stacy Lewis made 11 birdies on Thursday to match the low score at Olympic Golf Course with an 8-under 63, putting her right in the mix for a gold medal in women’s golf.
The American had no complaints about her golf or her position at the halfway point of the first Olympic women’s golf competition since 1900. Lewis was one shot behind Inbee Park of South Korea, who birdied her last two holes for another 5-under 66 and the 36-hole lead.
Charley Hull kept alive British hopes for a gold medal sweep in golf with a 66 that left her two shots behind Park.
Goddard High grad Gerina Piller, competing for the United States, shot a 67 on Thursday for a 136 total, four shots off the lead.
Three former New Mexico State golfers are also competing: Ursula Wikstrom (Finland, 69-71—140), Alena Sharp (Canada, 72-69—141) and Gwladys Nocera Pucet (France, 73-71—144).
Lewis piled up the birdies, finishing with four in a row, the last one the most unlikely. Her tee shot on the par-5 18th failed by a foot to clear a bunker, and the ball stayed on the steep slope of soft sand.
“I would have taken par and ran to the clubhouse,” Lewis said.
Instead, she hit one of her best shots with a 7-iron to advance it down the fairway, and then did even better with a hybrid from 199 yards to 4 feet for her 63.
“I was just trying to get a third shot after that lie in the bunker,” Lewis said. “I hit the shot of the week there.”
Lewis had no idea how many birdies she made or even how low she had shot until signing her card. All that mattered was a chance to win gold in what she considers the biggest week of her year.
A former No. 1 in the world, Lewis has gone more than two years since her last victory. She was irritated with her swing during the opening round and even after her practice session Thursday morning. Seeing a lot of putts go in can change everything.