April 12, 2022 • 42 mins
The Solheim Cup is the single most important Cup competition in women's golf. In this biennial competition, the United States women have competed against the best women from Europe since 1990. The US hold a 10 - 7 advantage over their European counterparts, but the European team are the defending champions and will have "home field" advantage as the 2023 event will be hosted at Finca Cortesina Golf Club near Malaga, Spain.
Stacy Lewis will captain the 2023 US Women's Team against Team Europe being captained by Suzann Petersen, the perennial nemesis of the American team. Always an engaging and thoughtful person, Stacy discusses her preparations for the 2023 competition, her assistant captains, and her goals for the team, including of course, winning the Solheim Cup back for the United States.
With the completion of the Chevron Championship at the Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills, it marked the end of an era as the venerated event moves to the greater Houston area for 2023. As a past champion of the event and a leading figure in women's golf, Stacy shares her experience of playing at Mission Hills, what the event meant for the development of women's professional golf, and her thoughts on how the LPGA tour has evolved since her rookie year in 2009.
Stacy is a former World No.1, she has won 13 times on tour, including 2-major championships. She won the Vare Trophy twice, in 2013 and 2014, The Vare trophy is awarded to the player with the season's lowest scoring average. She also won the Rolex Player of the Year award twice in 2012 and 2014, while also winning the LPGA Money Title in 2014.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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Douglas Maida (00:28):
Good afternoon and welcome to our show --
We'reTalking Golf. My name isDouglas Maida, and I'm your
host. The Solheim Cup is themost important Cup Challenge in
women's golf in terms of itshistory, and prestige. The
biennial competition pits theUnited States against the
Europeans, and has been held 17times since 1990, with the
(00:52):
United States holding a 10 to 7lead over Europe. However, with
the 2023 event, being held atthe Finca Cortesin golf club
near Malaga in southern Spain,the European team will be the
defending champions having wonthe last two times. Now joining
us today will be the captain ofthe US team, Stacy Lewis. We'll
(01:14):
be discussing her appointment asthe captain. But before we get
to our guest, we're going totake a very short break. So
please stay with us.
(03:01):
Welcome back to our show, andthank you for staying with us.
Our guest today is Stacy Lewis.
She's the captain of the USSolheim Cup team that will be
competing in 2023. At the FincaCotesina course in southern
Spain. Many of you will knowStacy as a player on the LPGA
she joined the LPGA in 2009. Inthat time, she has recorded 13
(03:22):
wins, two of which are majorchampionships. She has won the
LPGA money list once she has wonthe VARE trophy twice in 2013
and 2014. The VARE trophy ispresented to the player with the
lowest scoring average on theseason. Further, she has won the
Rolex Player of the Year Awardtwice in 2012, and again in
(03:43):
2014. She's also a former worldnumber one ranked player and she
has been a member of thebiennial Solheim Cup team from
2011 through to 2017. Stacy'sjoining us by zoom from her home
near Houston, Texas. Theywelcome to the show, Stacy.
Stacy Lewis (04:04):
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (04:06):
Oh, it's a pleasure. We're pleased to have
somebody of your caliber andstature on the show. So we're
very excited.
Stacy Lewis (04:11):
Well, thank you. I appreciate that.
Douglas Maida (04:15):
Stacy, the chevron championship just ended.
And before we get into theSolheim cup discussion, I wanted
to ask you about that because itwas originally known as The
Dinah Shore classic. It's beenthe second longest running major
and women's golf. Can you sharewith us a little bit about what
this event means to thedevelopment of women's golf and
maybe to yourself personallybeing a past champion?
Stacy Lewis (04:35):
Yeah, I mean, I guess I start for me personally,
you know, it was it was reallyfirst as an amateur where I kind
of figured out I can playprofessional golf and I can
compete with these girls andthen and then to get my first
one there. I mean, it really hasa special place to me and my
heart, the tournament, the golfcourse. I mean everything about
it. So but for the tour, I meanit is it's massive. I mean, this
(05:00):
was where, you know, kind of thepurse increases really started
when you go back to Colgate.
And, and and then stepping upto, to make it the championship
that it is I mean, it's funny,you know, each generation, you
know, the generation before meknows that tournament is the
Dinah Shore to me, it's alwaysgoing to be the Kraft Nabisco
because that's what it was formost of my plane. And for the
(05:21):
generation after me, it's theANA. And now this generation,
it's going to be the Chevron.
So, so it's had a lot ofdifferent names. But, but
really, it hasn't changed, youknow, and, and it's going to
change next year with the venuechange and all that but, but
what's important is that the,the tournament is continuing,
(05:42):
and we're getting it on par withthe rest of our majors.
Douglas Maida (05:45):
Great. That's wonderful. Yeah,I'm dating
myself a little bit, because I'mprobably a decade older than
yourself, Stacy. And I rememberwhen Dinah Shore was on TV, and
she had her daytime show, andshe was out there, and we do
some of the live spots or spotsfrom the golf course when she
was promoting it. So that wasactually, truth be told, that's
my first introduction to theLPGA.
Stacy Lewis (06:07):
That's awesome. And that's, that's a lot of
people's, you know, a lot ofpeople say, you know, if they
know the LPGA, they know aboutthe jump in Poppy's pond, you
know, that that's they knowabout that tradition. So. So it
is it's it is definitely alittle bit sad to be leaving
Mission Hills.
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Yeah. But Houston. Now, I understand
that's your hometown,
Stacy Lewis (06:27):
I grew up just north of Houston. live I live in
College Station now, a littlebit north of north of the city.
But But yeah, it's coming closerto home. And I've been a part
of, you know, trying to helpwith the transition and, and
making sure we do this thing,right?
Douglas Maida (06:43):
Oh, good, good, good. Because I think that's
kind of what everybody's hopingthat, you know, going from a
permanent location like that, tokind of bring the traditions
with it, and the feel of beingthe first major on the LPGA
calendar.
Stacy Lewis (06:57):
For sure, you know, we're gonna, we're gonna take as
many of the traditions as wecan, you know, I think it's such
an important one that so many,so many little girls, like
myself have dreamed of jumpingin into that pond. And, you
know, we've got to keep thetraditions alive, but as well,
as you know, continuing to makethis a major championship.
Douglas Maida (07:18):
Stacy, let's shift gears slightly before I
get into the Solheim Cup. Imean, I could probably chat with
you all day. And I know you havea busy schedule. So you're a
little bit of a, and forgive mefor saying this, but you're a
little bit now one of theveterans on tour? How have you
(07:38):
seen the evolution of the LPGAsince you've become a rookie?
Stacy Lewis (07:42):
Um, it's changed a lot. You know, I go back to I
think it was my rookie year, ora couple years, even my rookie
year 2009, 2009, 10, 11. I mean,we, we hardly had any events, we
had 23 events, I think it wasour low point. We're up to 34
now and playing for a ton ofmoney. You know, so So from that
(08:04):
side, it's changed. It's alsochanged, the game has changed a
lot itself. You know, thesegirls are just bombing it and
hitting it far, just like themen's game, you know, so the
game itself has changed a lotwith technology, the golf ball
goes straighter. So you can justswing hard, and it's not going
to go very far offline. So. So alot has changed, you know, that
it's, you know, it still comesdown to making putts and things
(08:27):
like that, but, but I think alot has changed for the better.
Douglas Maida (08:31):
Yeah, that's wonderful. Yeah, I was gonna say
the women's game was a littlebit behind the men's game in
terms of the distance, thedistance coming into the game.
And wow some of those gals yousee it now just, you know, like
on the weekend, 300 plus yards,I mean,
Stacy Lewis (08:48):
It is and it's effortless. You know, it doesn't
look like they're swinging thathard, but yet the ball is going
that far. So so it's just atestament to you know, how the
courses are being set up. And,you know, you can kind of let it
rip.
Douglas Maida (09:01):
Yeah. The athleticism and the development
of golf players, as athletes,yeah.
Stacy Lewis (09:07):
For sure you're seeing girls are girls are
taller, they're more they'restronger than more athletic a
lot. Girls are a lot more in thegym now than they used to be. I
think, you know, I've always hadto work out because of my back
and kind of keeping things inshape. But, you know, I was
probably one of the few when Ifirst came on tour that was in
the gym quite a bit. And now,now it's a normal thing. So, you
(09:30):
know, these girls are taking itmore seriously. And the results
are showing.
Douglas Maida (09:35):
Yeah, yeah, it's been a fantastic watch over the
past several years. Stacy at 36years of age. You're the
youngest ever captain of theSolheim Cup team for the United
States. How overwhelming is thathonor?
Stacy Lewis (09:52):
I wouldn't say it's overwhelming. I mean, it's I was
a little bit of a shock torealize how how much younger I
am than the other captains, Ithink Patty, Patty Sheehan was
maybe 45 when she did it. And Ithink it's going to be more
common as we go forward. Justbecause just the age of your
potential captains, you're goingto have more that are playing,
(10:13):
like I'm doing, and kind oflater on in their careers. So
it's such an honor, though,just, you know, to go through
that list, you know, of thoseladies that came before me that
had this honor, and that theypicked me. You know, I think
that's the coolest thing aboutthis is the past three captains
get together, and they decidewho the next one's going to be.
(10:34):
And, and they picked me they,you know, and I talked to each
one of them after, after I gotthe call. And, you know, they
all said, you're ready, youknow, you've seen it from both
sides, you're ready to do this,and, and they have a lot of
confidence in me. And so justkind of just helps me feel more
ready, more ready to do it.
Douglas Maida (10:51):
And that's got to feel very rewarding that your
peers like that have looked downon you as, not looked down I
mean, but looked at you as beinga natural successor.
Stacy Lewis (11:00):
Oh, yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. You
know, I think I look back and,you know, Juli (Inkster) was
probably getting me ready forthis six, seven years ago. You
know, she kind of brought me inon pairings. And I always feel
like I've kind of been a goodperson, kind of reading people
and kind of knowing people. Andso she brought me in to help
with pairings helped me withthis, I helped with the singles
(11:21):
lineup in Germany, you know, Imean, that was 2015. So, you
know, so they, they've beengetting me ready. And, you know,
I think as a captain, you know,now I'm thinking, Okay, who's
next? You know, who's gonna becoming next? Who do I need to
help get ready and kind of dothe same thing with?
Douglas Maida (11:38):
But it does present an interesting
conundrum. You're playing prettygood. You're on the Solheim cup.
Points list. Come this time nextyear, if you qualify
automatically. Have you made it?
Do you have a point in mindwhere you think that okay, I
will play or I won't play oranything like that of that
nature?
Stacy Lewis (12:00):
Yeah, you know, I've talked to I talked about a
little bit with Morgan, myassistant already, and she
agrees to that, you know, if I,we need the best 12 players
there. And so if I qualify ourpoints, or Rolex rankings, I'm
going to be one of the 12. Youknow, I just I have to play at
that point. I don't think Iwould pick myself as a pick, but
(12:25):
But I do think if I qualify, Iprobably need to play you know,
that means that means I've oneof the best 12. And we need to
take our best team there. And,and, you know, I have, you know,
yes, it'll be a hard week. It'llbe a tired week, but I think
there's a way to do it. And I'mgonna have some really good
people around me that are gonnahelp me do it if it comes to
that.
Douglas Maida (12:44):
Right. Right.
Well, you're already thinkingabout that kind of situation.
So, you know, you've got a yearand a bit to get all the systems
in place and everything workedout. Just as an aside, are you
thinking would you bring yourdaughter and family next year?
Stacy Lewis (12:59):
Oh, absolutely. You know, she, I have my daughter
came with me to last yearSolheim in in Ohio. And she had
a blast just running around withthe girls. And I will one point,
you know, they had her in thelittle, they had a little photo
booth, and they were holding herin the photo booth taking
pictures with her. So she had somuch fun, just that time you get
(13:19):
as a team and in the team roomand running around the hallways
of the hotel. You know, I knowthe girls, the girls loved
having her there. So she willdefinitely be there. My
husband's gonna be there tosupport. My parents already said
they're coming. So we have a lotof people there. And, you know,
I also have, you know, a lot ofpeople that have helped me along
(13:40):
the way, my Swing Coach, mycaddy, have them there just to
be as helpers for the team and,you know, be be another set of
eyes for me.
Douglas Maida (13:49):
Yeah, that'll be very helpful to know what's you
mentioned, Morgan. And, ofcourse, you recently had an
announcement a couple of weeksago that Morgan was going to be
your assistant captain, andshe's the first one that you've
announced. Did you want toelaborate a little bit more on
how you see her fitting in andhow she's going to complement
you and the team?
Stacy Lewis (14:11):
Yeah, you know, I I knew after last year Solheim
that my name was being thrownaround in the mix. And I kind of
was panicking, like, who would Ipick as an assistant and before
this was before I was evenpicked as the captain and Morgan
was honestly the first person Ithought of, you know, she's
somebody I've played a lot ofgolf with our we've, you know,
(14:31):
kind of been on tour at the sametime. You know, I love I've
always loved her competitivenessand the fire that she played
with, especially at Solheimcups. I mean, she was
unbelievable at soul handcuffs.
And so, you know, just reallywant to get that good, good
energy around and, you know,again, somebody that I trust, I
trust her opinion, I think, youknow, I do think the girls
(14:53):
respect her as well and I lovethat. I love that she's doing it
while she's not She's stilldoing TV. So she's around, she's
going to be watching a lot ofgolf. She's going to be looking
at stats and all those kinds ofthings. And so she's going to be
really helpful when it comes topairings and, and things like
that.
Douglas Maida (15:12):
Yeah, actually, that's a that's a very good
point you raised there. She'sgonna see a lot of that from her
vantage point now, so
Stacy Lewis (15:19):
Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
Douglas Maida (15:21):
Take a little bit of. . . lessen a little bit of
the pressure of you with yournotebook.
Stacy Lewis (15:26):
Yes, yes. No, the notebook is filling up pretty
quick. But it you know, rightnow, we're just we're working
on, you know, kind of behind thescenes stuff and trying to make
sure, like I said, get the rightpeople around us clothes and all
the gear that we need to get. Sowe're not really to the parents
part yet. Probably more of anext year thing once we see the
(15:47):
team kind of starting to fillout a little bit.
Douglas Maida (15:49):
That's an interesting question and point
you raised for me. How much ofthe organizational aspects of
the Solheim Cup team falls onthe captain, assistant captains
in terms of things? Like youjust mentioned, the gear, the
equipment? The apparel line? Imean, is that something that you
all that all falls down on toyou? Or do you have any
assistance from the LPGA?
Stacy Lewis (16:09):
Or? Yeah, I do. I have a team of people with the
LPGA that are that are helpingme with all of it, but But what
I learned pretty quickly iswhatever the captain wants in
this, that's what you do so. SoI'm going to basically have my
hand in on everything. Whetherit's picking out the clothes, or
designing the clothes, what thehead covers look like what the
(16:30):
bag looks like. What posters andwhat decorations are up in the
team room? What decorations arein the rooms, gifts, the caddy
stuff? I mean, everything kindof falls under, under me, but
then I have people that willhelp do that stuff and get it
done. So. So it if when you sayit like that, it seems like a
(16:53):
lot, but it doesn't feel like alot right now. And so we're
moving in the right direction.
So we're, we're excited. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (17:01):
Yeah, that's sounds like it for sure. And I
think you've got the benefit ofit -- they've announced you as
Captain so far, in advance, orenough time in advance that you
can not feel overwhelmed bythis, like you would if it was,
say announced next year?
Stacy Lewis (17:15):
Oh, yes, for sure.
I mean, in that, and the LPGA.
You know, they've, they've beengreat, because they understand
that they know, I'm stillplaying and they want to be
respectful of that, too. And so,so they've been great so far.
And, you know, we're, we'reworking on a couple getting
another assistant announced herepretty soon and hopefully get
rolling with some of the otherstuff.
Douglas Maida (17:37):
We're gonna take a short break. Before I get to
that Stacy, I want to ask you,because you just mentioned it.
You're coming up to thepossibility of announcing
another assistant captain? Yes.
What kind of timeline did youhave in mind in terms of numbers
and timeline to announce them?
Stacy Lewis (17:55):
Well, you can have up to three, you don't have to
have three, you can have three.
And this other person was issomebody that she's already
said? Yes. So she's alreadyagreed to it. But just somebody
that, again, I've really trustedthroughout my career. She's been
a great friend of mine. And sheimmediately said, Yes, I didn't
even have to twist her arm. So.
(18:17):
So we'll announce it here. Andprobably in the next few weeks,
or probably in the next monthand a half or so as my guess
we'll get that announced. Andthen on the third one, you know,
I'm actually going to wait alittle bit and kind of see, see
how the team kind of fallstogether and see, you know,
what, what I need, what kind ofpersonality, what kind of person
I need in that role, and then gofrom there. So that one, that
(18:40):
third one will probably be nextyear sometime, because if it
does come to the possibility ofme playing, I'm definitely going
to need a third assistant. So sothat'll be something we do next
year.
Douglas Maida (18:52):
Okay, excellent.
So we'll be back shortly. Andwhen we do, we'll pick right up
and I'd like to chat with you alittle bit about some of the
things, what your plans might befor taking the team forward.
Stacy Lewis (19:04):
All right, sounds good.
Douglas Maida (20:08):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. Now.
Our guest today is Stacy Lewis.
And we're talking Solheim cup2023. Stacy, in response to
being named captain of the team,at one point, you stated that
you believed that the time wasright for both you and the team,
that you step in and fill thatrole. Can you share with us a
little bit about what you meantby that?
Stacy Lewis (20:29):
Yeah. So you know, I was I was a been a part of the
last six Solheim cups playing orcaptaining or assisting whatever
you want to call it. So. So I'veseen it, you know, I've seen
this when we've kind of been ona bad streak of not winning
these last couple. And, andespecially the last one, I saw a
(20:52):
lot of areas that I thought wecould be better, that I think
Pat's struggled a little bitrelating to the players, just
being a little being a littlebit more removed from the tour
and, and with COVID, she wasn'table to travel as much as she
would have liked and be atevents. So. So I don't, I don't
think Pat got a fair kind of afair shake it really in, in what
(21:16):
she was able to do.
So, you know, the timing wasright, you know, me personally,
just at a good point in my life,where I felt ready for it. But I
also feel like I know, theseplayers, and I can relate to
them. And, you know, and what wedid, you know, say should be
about 12 years ago, is my firstSolheim cup. So what we did
(21:38):
those 1012 years ago, is notgoing to work with these current
players, current players aredifferent, you know, every every
generation is different.
Everybody, you have to evolvewith them. And, and we can't do
everything the same that aswe've always done it, you know,
we've got to switch things up alittle bit and adapt to these
girls and, and help them besuccessful. So. So I have a lot
of ideas, and I've seen it fromboth sides. And you know, just
(21:59):
more than anything I think beingable to relate to the players is
is going to be really, reallyhelpful.
Douglas Maida (22:08):
It was written somewhere that your early
priorities for the team and thecompetition included laying a
foundation for future captainsso that there's no need to
reinvent the wheel.
Stacy Lewis (22:19):
Right.
Douglas Maida (22:20):
Would you share with us what your thoughts are
on that? And what it might looklike?
Stacy Lewis (22:24):
Yeah, it's, uh, you know, and that's more working
with the LPGA team that we havein place of, you know, we've
created a calendar of when kindof certain things need to be
done. And, you know, trying whenwe're going to have meetings as
a team, and when me and myassistants are going to have
meetings, just kind of settingmore of a blueprint of you can
do this and still play, becauseI think that is one thing that
(22:47):
could potentially turn somepeople away, of being captain in
the future is there say, oh, no,I don't want to do it yet. I'm
still playing. And so if we cankind of just create more of a
blueprint of how things aregoing to work and, you know,
when we start doing clothing,and how that how that all falls
in together that you know, Ireally think it's possible and I
(23:08):
hope more girls see that for thefuture that you can you can be
captain in and continue to playif that's what you want to do.
Douglas Maida (23:16):
Right? Yeah, I agree with you, I think that's
gonna, you're going to startseeing younger and younger
captains
Stacy Lewis (23:21):
Exactly, on both sides. European side too, as
well. So
Douglas Maida (23:26):
There was a quote by another reporter, I'd like to
share it with you and then askyour thoughts about it. You're
quoted as saying, "How can Imake," as part of one of your
goals is "how can I make theenvironment really positive,
really fun, and make the girlsreally be a team and care about
each other." Do you have anythoughts ideas as to how you're
going to try and make that teamenvironment really positive and
(23:46):
really fun.
Stacy Lewis (23:48):
Um, you know, I have to win the team room
ultimately. And, you know, Ikind of realize that with this
with this generation as they,they are there, they're about
having fun, they want to go havefun, they want to hang out their
friends, we got to have the alot a ton of games and TVs and
music and just fun stuff forthem to do in the team room,
(24:10):
ping pong tables and, you know,as if I can keep them in that
team room as long as possible.
Then I did my job, you know, ifthey're running off to their
rooms to go hide out, then Ididn't do my job. So you know, I
think you know, keeping thingsloose, I'm we're going to
communicate really well, wherethey're going to know what the
schedule is going to be everyday and how it's all going to
(24:30):
work. You know, they really wantto be a part of things is what
I've kind of already talking tothem. You know, they want to be
a part of the pairings, theywant that open communication,
which I think is great, youknow, they they own schooling,
they know their games the best,they know who they're going to
play well within so so we'rejust have that open line of
(24:51):
communication. I'm going to behonest with them and they know
that about me, I'm just prettystraight shooter. I don't
sugarcoat things. I'm honestwhen I need To be in, and I
think I think that is going tobe helpful to them.
You know, there's times where Ihave to tell them no, you know,
they're not going to geteverything that they want. But,
you know, also being a mom and Ihave a three year old that I
(25:12):
have to take care of, you know,I have to she hers know a lot.
So, and I'm okay saying that so.
So just I mean, everything I'vebeen through in my life, you
know, I've I can relate to thesegirls, you know, I say, I've
been number one in points goinginto it. I've qualified kind of
four or five. I've been close onpoints. I've been a pick. I've
not been a pick, you know, I'vebeen all spectrums of this, this
(25:36):
Solheim Cup thing? So. So Ireally, I've been there. I know
what it's like to stress outthose last two months leading up
to Solheim Cup and trying tomake the team and, you know,
just try to stay away and letthe girls play.
Douglas Maida (25:54):
Well, on that point, about involving the
players and whatnot, and theteam room, there's been a lot of
talk, or plenty of talk inrecent years about a pod system
being used by the Americanteams, you know, originally
started with the discussionaround the Ryder Cup team. And
for better or worse, I guess onecould say that Juli and company
have had that as part of theSolheim Cup. I mean, whether it
(26:16):
was formal or informal or not.
How much of that thinking willbe part of your strategy moving
forward? Or are you thinkingthat you might just do something
a little bit more ad hoc or?
Stacy Lewis (26:28):
Well, I like the pod system, just from the fact
from as a player, you kind ofyou know, like, these three
people are, that's potentiallywho I'm going to play with. But
I don't like it as a captain,because you're really limited on
your pairings. If somebodytight, gets hurt, or isn't
playing well, it's really hardto move people around and kind
(26:51):
of shift people in there. Sonot necessarily, I mean, I like
the concept of it, because I dothink there are, there are
certain people that you know,will never play together, you
know, they're on theirpersonalities are on opposite
ends of the spectrum, they'renever going to play together.
So I see it kind of more as asix and six type thing, where
you're, where you can be moreflexible as well with their
(27:14):
practice time. Because that's, Ithink that's one thing that has
not helped the girls prepare aswell is being told, Hey, we're
buses leaving at seven. Andwe're coming back at two. And
this is when you have topractice and you know, not
everybody prepares the same,some people like to stretch and
do a workout. And then they goplay at 10 or 11 o'clock. And
(27:35):
some people like to get up evenearlier than seven play so so
we're going to try to put somemore flexibility in their
practice times as well. Just tohelp them prepare better. And so
I think with a six and six, youcan do that a little bit more
where to be a twosome can go outand play and then a foursome
could go out and play. So sowe're going to look at that. And
(27:57):
that's something I've talked tothe girls about and get their
feedback, but I really think itwill help them make the week
feel more like a normaltournament week for them.
Douglas Maida (28:06):
Right. Now, one of the things that I've that has
been said of the US teams bothon the men's side and on the
women's side is the teams aregreat when it comes to single
player traditionally has been,you know, the strength has been
singles play four ball has beenpretty even. But it's the
foursomes that seems to be theAchilles heel. Yeah, how much
(28:27):
of, or are you going, Is therea lot of thought going into how
you're going to make that work?
And I guess that's a big pointof where you're going to be
talking with the players aboutyou know, who's playing styles
tend to work together and meshtogether. So, you know, when you
do get a sticky point you canhave confidence that your
partner's gonna get you out ofit.
Stacy Lewis (28:44):
Yeah, I mean, a lot of it like you said, his playing
style and who they'recomfortable with. I mean, some
players aren't if their partnerhits it in the rough, some
players just aren't comfortableor there used to just hit the
fairways all the time. So a lotof times I think your your
foursomes, your those players,they're pretty adaptable. They
can kind of play with anybody,but I think most importantly,
(29:06):
they're good putters, and Ithink as a team, we've got to
become better putters,ultimately, because that's, you
think about any kind of matchplay event. That's even like a
USA amateur or anything likethat. Good planning is what wins
it so so that's, you know,something I'm, you know, I've
said a lot and I'm going to keepencouraging the girls to keep
(29:28):
getting better and, and, youknow, like, I love seeing
Jennifer Kupcho win last week,you know, getting the experience
of having to make putts down thestretch, you know, that's,
that's what's going to serve andmake her better as a golfer and
it's going to help us andSolheim cup so would love to see
more, more of that in the nextyear and a half. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (29:49):
For sure. I mean, I think back to Gerina making
that putt you know, just at thattime, a critical putt and then
probably to your dismay, is Me,Suzann making . . .
Stacy Lewis (30:02):
The putt, right?
Nobody ever talks about a sixiron or seven iron, you know, In
match play it it's it's puttingso so we just as a team, I think
we've got to get better in thatarea.
Douglas Maida (30:15):
Right. Right.
Speaking of putting and beingable to understand the greens
and whatnot, the venue for nextyear is Finca Cortesina. So,
it's the host venue will youhave any plans for maybe taking
some players, probable playersto scout the course or play
there a little bit this year or,or next in advance?
Stacy Lewis (30:37):
Well, I'm going to go kind of around the British
Open in August, I just want tocheck the place out for myself
more more of the behind thescenes stuff of how everything's
gonna be laid out. But I'm alsogoing to play the golf course
because I want to see what styleof golf will play well there.
You know, is it a ball strikers?
Is it somebody that hits it far,whatever it is, because I think
that can help with your picks.
(31:01):
When you come down to that, youknow, and I think I'm past all
times I've, I've went andscouted courses early. I've not
played them at all. And I don'treally think it matters, to be
honest, whether the girls wantto go ahead of time if they want
to go play great. We'll set itup for them. Let them go have a
(31:22):
little vacation. I mean, itlooks beautiful. I don't know if
you looked at the website, butit looks beautiful. So so if
they want to go great, I'd lovethem to go check the place out
but but really, I mean they'vegot four days once we get there
to learn the golf course so soit's a lot of it's you know,
let's let's keep it like anormal week. Let's not you know
(31:43):
overanalyze things. And, andbecause ultimately we just got
to go play golf.
Douglas Maida (31:49):
Right. Yeah, it comes to that point where you
gotta let your clubs do thetalking.
Stacy Lewis (31:53):
Exactly. Yeah, you can you can, you can definitely
over prepare in this role too.
Douglas Maida (32:00):
Suzann Petersen is the your counterpart and she
was named a little while ago aswell. Now, correct me if I'm
wrong, but I think it's fairlyfair to say that the two of you
are known as some of thetoughest and most competitive
people on tour.
Stacy Lewis (32:15):
Yes. a little fiesty. We both are a little
feisty.
Douglas Maida (32:19):
Yeah, I was gonna say a little bit feisty in
competition. And yes, you strikeme as the type that don't want
to give up any quarter two tothe other or anything like that.
But is there something we mightbe able to see that or expect to
see I mean, will there be areally aggressive style? Or I
(32:39):
mean, what would you expectcoming out of it? Because I
think there's some thoughts outthere as to -- "ooh, this could
be really interesting andintriguing."
Stacy Lewis (32:46):
It could I, you know, I think I immediately came
to mind as we've had some rulescontroversies at the last couple
of Solheims and I was like, oh,gosh, can we just not have one
because neither one of us isgoing to back down knowing
Suzann and I. So we're just bothso competitive. We both want to
win. And, you know, I can't waitto see her in this role as well.
(33:08):
You know, she's been anassistant, she's seen. You know
what Catriona, Matthew has donethe last couple, you know, and
she's played on far more thanme, her record speaks for
itself. I mean, she's beenamazing in the Solheim Cup. So
you know, so we're gonna have toplay great to just kind of
overcome that. And but I, when Iwas announced captain, that was
(33:31):
one of the things I was mostexcited about is going up
against Suzann, just, I mean,just because she to me, she is
the Solheim Cup. I mean, youthink of the Solheim Cup you
think of Suzann making putts andwinning matches and, and winning
the cup for them. So I can'twait to get there. And, you
know, I'm sure we'll have someinteraction as as we get going
(33:54):
here along the way to.
Douglas Maida (33:58):
Incidentally, though, and all the time that
you've been on the Solheim Cup,I was looking at the records.
And the two of you have onlyfaced each other in a Solheim
Cup once. Yeah, it was in fourball. So
Stacy Lewis (34:10):
I know it's crazy.
It's crazy.
Douglas Maida (34:12):
Yeah, I just you know, but you know, because you
both have pretty good careers,and one would have thought that
you might have come up againsteach other once in a while.
Stacy Lewis (34:19):
I know it's good.
It's kind of funny, it seems howall those matches fall it was I
played in Anna Nordqvist a tonand play Catriona Matthew a ton,
you know, for some reason, youalways kind of get the same
people and I don't know why orwhat the head is, but But yeah,
I mean, I wish I could haveplayed against her more but we,
you know, we play plenty oftimes on tour together and, you
know, I've been around her somuch and I have a ton of respect
(34:42):
for to I mean, she's, she's oneof the best players to ever play
this game. So I can't wait to goup against her.
Douglas Maida (34:52):
And I'm sure your goal is nothing less than
bringing that Cup home.
Stacy Lewis (34:56):
Absolutely, absolutely. But we're gonna have
fun doing it. I think that isthat's my number one going into
the week.
Douglas Maida (35:04):
Fantastic.
Fantastic. I'm already gettingexcited, and it's still a year
and a bit away.
Stacy Lewis (35:09):
That's awesome.
That's awesome.
Douglas Maida (35:12):
Stacy, as we start to wrap up, you have been
one of the leading people ontour in terms of promoting the
game with the youngergeneration, the kids and parents
and whatnot like that. Is thereany, like, take this as a time,
maybe some thoughts you'd liketo share, some pearls of wisdom
about the game or school, orabout getting kids involved, or
(35:37):
the parents and, and things likethat?
Stacy Lewis (35:39):
Yeah, you know, I think, you know, we're seeing
more kids are going to collegein this NIL stuff with being
able to kind of get get somemoney is going to help, you
know, these girls are going tostay in college a little bit
longer and get their education,I think, I think that's always
number one. Having a daughtermyself, I think it's now I think
(36:00):
it's more important. You know,it was always really important
to my parents that I get aneducation and you do your
schoolwork before you go topractice, you know, that's how
it always worked in our family.
And, you know, that's gonnacontinue over. But you know,
gosh, let the kids be kids playa ton of sports, don't
specialize super early, youknow, get them, let them be
(36:20):
athletes, let them you know, berunning on a soccer field, or
playing golf, or baseball orsoftball, whatever it is, you
know, you know, let them letthem have fun, let them be a
part of teams, I think it'simportant just to have that
interaction. You know, and youthey have, they have to love it,
you know, if they don't love it,you know, it's gonna be a fight,
(36:41):
you guys are going to be theparents and the kids are going
to be fighting too much. Andit's not going to be fun for
either one of you.
So, you know, encourage yourkids. Gosh, be so proud. I mean,
you know that that's one thingwith my own daughter is I just I
try to encourage her as much asI can. And if she doesn't want
to hit balls with me, thenthat's totally fine. She can go
(37:03):
play in the field and play inthe bunker or whatever she wants
to do. You know, it's, but thenthere's a Sunday, she's like,
"Mommy, I want to go play golfwith you today." And you know,
as parent, you get all excitedand but, but those days are few
and far between right now. Butthat's okay. But just you know,
help your kids love it. Andalways encourage them.
(37:23):
And, you know, I was, you know,like, we've talked about my
feistiness on the golf course,and my parents had to kind of
learn how to help me rein themin a little bit, you know, there
are definitely times that I gotpretty upset on the golf course,
and, you know, slamming clubsand things like that, but, but
one thing they always did isthey never, they never let that
(37:46):
fire go away. They always justhelped me learn how to kind of
how to manage it and how to dealwith it. Because that fire is
what makes makes you great, youknow, think of all the great
players that have played thisgame, they all have a little bit
of, they get mad at times, youknow, and they want to you can
see it and they get mad theythey do stay slim a club or you
(38:08):
can see it in their face,whatever it is, you know, they
they have that and so I was gladthat my parents never, they
never let that go awaycompletely. They just helped me
learn how to how to rein it in.
Douglas Maida (38:20):
When you say things like that, I think of Ben
Hogan another Texan, with thaticy stare, you know, manifesting
it that way.
Stacy Lewis (38:30):
Even you know, think of Loreena Ochoa. You
know, she seemed to be alwayssmiling at times, but there are
times that she would she get madyou know and and that's what
that's what makes you better.
Douglas Maida (38:40):
What's next for you, Stacy, you've got a week
off this week on the tourschedule is.. Any plans for you
as to when you're going to playyour next event?
Stacy Lewis (38:50):
Yeah, I'm gonna I'm not gonna play in Hawaii but I'm
gonna play the next two out inLA and really kind of building
into the to the US Women's Openour next major first of first
week of June Yeah. So so justkind of getting ready for that
now it's always it's kind ofthose majors are kind of in the
(39:10):
calendar in the back of yourmind of what you're trying to
get ready for so so we'll we'llget back to work here in the
next day or so
Douglas Maida (39:17):
great. So your goal is to play steady regularly
and then try to get yourself topeak in time for the US Women's
Open.
Stacy Lewis (39:24):
US Open. Exactly.
Douglas Maida (39:26):
How familiar are you with that course? Have you
any familiarity with the course?
Stacy Lewis (39:30):
I actually, I played that was my first US Open
at Pine Needles was in 2007 Ibelieve I was still in college
at the time. So that was thefirst US Open I ever qualified
for so I do remember bits andpieces of it but I think they've
they've done some changes kindof made it more like Pinehurst
(39:52):
No.2 with with taking the roughout and things like that which
makes me really excited becauseI love what they did to
Pinehurst No. 2 so So I can'twait to get back.
Douglas Maida (40:01):
Yeah. Terrific.
All right, Stacy. Well, thankyou so much for taking time. I
know you're very busy person andyou just come back recently from
your Asia trip and swing andfamily obligations. So we
completely appreciate this. Thisis wonderful to take time out of
your schedule and share it withus.
Stacy Lewis (40:19):
Awesome. Thank you so much for having me
Douglas Maida (40:20):
on. Thank you very much, Stacy. And that,
ladies and gentlemen, is ourshow for today. Thank you for
staying with us and we lookforward to having you join us
next time. And remember whenyou're out there playing golf,
do your best to keep it on theshort grass.
Amy (Studio) (40:34):
You have been listening to our podcast show.
We're talking golf produced bythe world of golf. This episode
was recorded on Tuesday, April 52022. If you have an idea for a
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Please include podcast show inthe subject line. This show is
(40:55):
the copyright of the world ofgolf. Thank you for joining us
Good afternoon and welcome to our show --
We'reTalking Golf. My name isDouglas Maida, and I'm your
host. The Solheim Cup is themost important Cup Challenge in
women's golf in terms of itshistory, and prestige. The
biennial competition pits theUnited States against the
Europeans, and has been held 17times since 1990, with the
(00:52):
United States holding a 10 to 7lead over Europe. However, with
the 2023 event, being held atthe Finca Cortesin golf club
near Malaga in southern Spain,the European team will be the
defending champions having wonthe last two times. Now joining
us today will be the captain ofthe US team, Stacy Lewis. We'll
(01:14):
be discussing her appointment asthe captain. But before we get
to our guest, we're going totake a very short break. So
please stay with us.
(03:01):
Welcome back to our show, andthank you for staying with us.
Our guest today is Stacy Lewis.
She's the captain of the USSolheim Cup team that will be
competing in 2023. At the FincaCotesina course in southern
Spain. Many of you will knowStacy as a player on the LPGA
she joined the LPGA in 2009. Inthat time, she has recorded 13
(03:22):
wins, two of which are majorchampionships. She has won the
LPGA money list once she has wonthe VARE trophy twice in 2013
and 2014. The VARE trophy ispresented to the player with the
lowest scoring average on theseason. Further, she has won the
Rolex Player of the Year Awardtwice in 2012, and again in
(03:43):
2014. She's also a former worldnumber one ranked player and she
has been a member of thebiennial Solheim Cup team from
2011 through to 2017. Stacy'sjoining us by zoom from her home
near Houston, Texas. Theywelcome to the show, Stacy.
Stacy Lewis (04:04):
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Douglas Maida (04:06):
Oh, it's a pleasure. We're pleased to have
somebody of your caliber andstature on the show. So we're
very excited.
Stacy Lewis (04:11):
Well, thank you. I appreciate that.
Douglas Maida (04:15):
Stacy, the chevron championship just ended.
And before we get into theSolheim cup discussion, I wanted
to ask you about that because itwas originally known as The
Dinah Shore classic. It's beenthe second longest running major
and women's golf. Can you sharewith us a little bit about what
this event means to thedevelopment of women's golf and
maybe to yourself personallybeing a past champion?
Stacy Lewis (04:35):
Yeah, I mean, I guess I start for me personally,
you know, it was it was reallyfirst as an amateur where I kind
of figured out I can playprofessional golf and I can
compete with these girls andthen and then to get my first
one there. I mean, it really hasa special place to me and my
heart, the tournament, the golfcourse. I mean everything about
it. So but for the tour, I meanit is it's massive. I mean, this
(05:00):
was where, you know, kind of thepurse increases really started
when you go back to Colgate.
And, and and then stepping upto, to make it the championship
that it is I mean, it's funny,you know, each generation, you
know, the generation before meknows that tournament is the
Dinah Shore to me, it's alwaysgoing to be the Kraft Nabisco
because that's what it was formost of my plane. And for the
(05:21):
generation after me, it's theANA. And now this generation,
it's going to be the Chevron.
So, so it's had a lot ofdifferent names. But, but
really, it hasn't changed, youknow, and, and it's going to
change next year with the venuechange and all that but, but
what's important is that the,the tournament is continuing,
(05:42):
and we're getting it on par withthe rest of our majors.
Douglas Maida (05:45):
Great. That's wonderful. Yeah,I'm dating
myself a little bit, because I'mprobably a decade older than
yourself, Stacy. And I rememberwhen Dinah Shore was on TV, and
she had her daytime show, andshe was out there, and we do
some of the live spots or spotsfrom the golf course when she
was promoting it. So that wasactually, truth be told, that's
my first introduction to theLPGA.
Stacy Lewis (06:07):
That's awesome. And that's, that's a lot of
people's, you know, a lot ofpeople say, you know, if they
know the LPGA, they know aboutthe jump in Poppy's pond, you
know, that that's they knowabout that tradition. So. So it
is it's it is definitely alittle bit sad to be leaving
Mission Hills.
Douglas Maida (06:23):
Yeah. But Houston. Now, I understand
that's your hometown,
Stacy Lewis (06:27):
I grew up just north of Houston. live I live in
College Station now, a littlebit north of north of the city.
But But yeah, it's coming closerto home. And I've been a part
of, you know, trying to helpwith the transition and, and
making sure we do this thing,right?
Douglas Maida (06:43):
Oh, good, good, good. Because I think that's
kind of what everybody's hopingthat, you know, going from a
permanent location like that, tokind of bring the traditions
with it, and the feel of beingthe first major on the LPGA
calendar.
Stacy Lewis (06:57):
For sure, you know, we're gonna, we're gonna take as
many of the traditions as wecan, you know, I think it's such
an important one that so many,so many little girls, like
myself have dreamed of jumpingin into that pond. And, you
know, we've got to keep thetraditions alive, but as well,
as you know, continuing to makethis a major championship.
Douglas Maida (07:18):
Stacy, let's shift gears slightly before I
get into the Solheim Cup. Imean, I could probably chat with
you all day. And I know you havea busy schedule. So you're a
little bit of a, and forgive mefor saying this, but you're a
little bit now one of theveterans on tour? How have you
(07:38):
seen the evolution of the LPGAsince you've become a rookie?
Stacy Lewis (07:42):
Um, it's changed a lot. You know, I go back to I
think it was my rookie year, ora couple years, even my rookie
year 2009, 2009, 10, 11. I mean,we, we hardly had any events, we
had 23 events, I think it wasour low point. We're up to 34
now and playing for a ton ofmoney. You know, so So from that
(08:04):
side, it's changed. It's alsochanged, the game has changed a
lot itself. You know, thesegirls are just bombing it and
hitting it far, just like themen's game, you know, so the
game itself has changed a lotwith technology, the golf ball
goes straighter. So you can justswing hard, and it's not going
to go very far offline. So. So alot has changed, you know, that
it's, you know, it still comesdown to making putts and things
(08:27):
like that, but, but I think alot has changed for the better.
Douglas Maida (08:31):
Yeah, that's wonderful. Yeah, I was gonna say
the women's game was a littlebit behind the men's game in
terms of the distance, thedistance coming into the game.
And wow some of those gals yousee it now just, you know, like
on the weekend, 300 plus yards,I mean,
Stacy Lewis (08:48):
It is and it's effortless. You know, it doesn't
look like they're swinging thathard, but yet the ball is going
that far. So so it's just atestament to you know, how the
courses are being set up. And,you know, you can kind of let it
rip.
Douglas Maida (09:01):
Yeah. The athleticism and the development
of golf players, as athletes,yeah.
Stacy Lewis (09:07):
For sure you're seeing girls are girls are
taller, they're more they'restronger than more athletic a
lot. Girls are a lot more in thegym now than they used to be. I
think, you know, I've always hadto work out because of my back
and kind of keeping things inshape. But, you know, I was
probably one of the few when Ifirst came on tour that was in
the gym quite a bit. And now,now it's a normal thing. So, you
(09:30):
know, these girls are taking itmore seriously. And the results
are showing.
Douglas Maida (09:35):
Yeah, yeah, it's been a fantastic watch over the
past several years. Stacy at 36years of age. You're the
youngest ever captain of theSolheim Cup team for the United
States. How overwhelming is thathonor?
Stacy Lewis (09:52):
I wouldn't say it's overwhelming. I mean, it's I was
a little bit of a shock torealize how how much younger I
am than the other captains, Ithink Patty, Patty Sheehan was
maybe 45 when she did it. And Ithink it's going to be more
common as we go forward. Justbecause just the age of your
potential captains, you're goingto have more that are playing,
(10:13):
like I'm doing, and kind oflater on in their careers. So
it's such an honor, though,just, you know, to go through
that list, you know, of thoseladies that came before me that
had this honor, and that theypicked me. You know, I think
that's the coolest thing aboutthis is the past three captains
get together, and they decidewho the next one's going to be.
(10:34):
And, and they picked me they,you know, and I talked to each
one of them after, after I gotthe call. And, you know, they
all said, you're ready, youknow, you've seen it from both
sides, you're ready to do this,and, and they have a lot of
confidence in me. And so justkind of just helps me feel more
ready, more ready to do it.
Douglas Maida (10:51):
And that's got to feel very rewarding that your
peers like that have looked downon you as, not looked down I
mean, but looked at you as beinga natural successor.
Stacy Lewis (11:00):
Oh, yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. You
know, I think I look back and,you know, Juli (Inkster) was
probably getting me ready forthis six, seven years ago. You
know, she kind of brought me inon pairings. And I always feel
like I've kind of been a goodperson, kind of reading people
and kind of knowing people. Andso she brought me in to help
with pairings helped me withthis, I helped with the singles
(11:21):
lineup in Germany, you know, Imean, that was 2015. So, you
know, so they, they've beengetting me ready. And, you know,
I think as a captain, you know,now I'm thinking, Okay, who's
next? You know, who's gonna becoming next? Who do I need to
help get ready and kind of dothe same thing with?
Douglas Maida (11:38):
But it does present an interesting
conundrum. You're playing prettygood. You're on the Solheim cup.
Points list. Come this time nextyear, if you qualify
automatically. Have you made it?
Do you have a point in mindwhere you think that okay, I
will play or I won't play oranything like that of that
nature?
Stacy Lewis (12:00):
Yeah, you know, I've talked to I talked about a
little bit with Morgan, myassistant already, and she
agrees to that, you know, if I,we need the best 12 players
there. And so if I qualify ourpoints, or Rolex rankings, I'm
going to be one of the 12. Youknow, I just I have to play at
that point. I don't think Iwould pick myself as a pick, but
(12:25):
But I do think if I qualify, Iprobably need to play you know,
that means that means I've oneof the best 12. And we need to
take our best team there. And,and, you know, I have, you know,
yes, it'll be a hard week. It'llbe a tired week, but I think
there's a way to do it. And I'mgonna have some really good
people around me that are gonnahelp me do it if it comes to
that.
Douglas Maida (12:44):
Right. Right.
Well, you're already thinkingabout that kind of situation.
So, you know, you've got a yearand a bit to get all the systems
in place and everything workedout. Just as an aside, are you
thinking would you bring yourdaughter and family next year?
Stacy Lewis (12:59):
Oh, absolutely. You know, she, I have my daughter
came with me to last yearSolheim in in Ohio. And she had
a blast just running around withthe girls. And I will one point,
you know, they had her in thelittle, they had a little photo
booth, and they were holding herin the photo booth taking
pictures with her. So she had somuch fun, just that time you get
(13:19):
as a team and in the team roomand running around the hallways
of the hotel. You know, I knowthe girls, the girls loved
having her there. So she willdefinitely be there. My
husband's gonna be there tosupport. My parents already said
they're coming. So we have a lotof people there. And, you know,
I also have, you know, a lot ofpeople that have helped me along
(13:40):
the way, my Swing Coach, mycaddy, have them there just to
be as helpers for the team and,you know, be be another set of
eyes for me.
Douglas Maida (13:49):
Yeah, that'll be very helpful to know what's you
mentioned, Morgan. And, ofcourse, you recently had an
announcement a couple of weeksago that Morgan was going to be
your assistant captain, andshe's the first one that you've
announced. Did you want toelaborate a little bit more on
how you see her fitting in andhow she's going to complement
you and the team?
Stacy Lewis (14:11):
Yeah, you know, I I knew after last year Solheim
that my name was being thrownaround in the mix. And I kind of
was panicking, like, who would Ipick as an assistant and before
this was before I was evenpicked as the captain and Morgan
was honestly the first person Ithought of, you know, she's
somebody I've played a lot ofgolf with our we've, you know,
(14:31):
kind of been on tour at the sametime. You know, I love I've
always loved her competitivenessand the fire that she played
with, especially at Solheimcups. I mean, she was
unbelievable at soul handcuffs.
And so, you know, just reallywant to get that good, good
energy around and, you know,again, somebody that I trust, I
trust her opinion, I think, youknow, I do think the girls
(14:53):
respect her as well and I lovethat. I love that she's doing it
while she's not She's stilldoing TV. So she's around, she's
going to be watching a lot ofgolf. She's going to be looking
at stats and all those kinds ofthings. And so she's going to be
really helpful when it comes topairings and, and things like
that.
Douglas Maida (15:12):
Yeah, actually, that's a that's a very good
point you raised there. She'sgonna see a lot of that from her
vantage point now, so
Stacy Lewis (15:19):
Oh, yes. Oh, yes.
Douglas Maida (15:21):
Take a little bit of. . . lessen a little bit of
the pressure of you with yournotebook.
Stacy Lewis (15:26):
Yes, yes. No, the notebook is filling up pretty
quick. But it you know, rightnow, we're just we're working
on, you know, kind of behind thescenes stuff and trying to make
sure, like I said, get the rightpeople around us clothes and all
the gear that we need to get. Sowe're not really to the parents
part yet. Probably more of anext year thing once we see the
(15:47):
team kind of starting to fillout a little bit.
Douglas Maida (15:49):
That's an interesting question and point
you raised for me. How much ofthe organizational aspects of
the Solheim Cup team falls onthe captain, assistant captains
in terms of things? Like youjust mentioned, the gear, the
equipment? The apparel line? Imean, is that something that you
all that all falls down on toyou? Or do you have any
assistance from the LPGA?
Stacy Lewis (16:09):
Or? Yeah, I do. I have a team of people with the
LPGA that are that are helpingme with all of it, but But what
I learned pretty quickly iswhatever the captain wants in
this, that's what you do so. SoI'm going to basically have my
hand in on everything. Whetherit's picking out the clothes, or
designing the clothes, what thehead covers look like what the
(16:30):
bag looks like. What posters andwhat decorations are up in the
team room? What decorations arein the rooms, gifts, the caddy
stuff? I mean, everything kindof falls under, under me, but
then I have people that willhelp do that stuff and get it
done. So. So it if when you sayit like that, it seems like a
(16:53):
lot, but it doesn't feel like alot right now. And so we're
moving in the right direction.
So we're, we're excited. Yeah.
Douglas Maida (17:01):
Yeah, that's sounds like it for sure. And I
think you've got the benefit ofit -- they've announced you as
Captain so far, in advance, orenough time in advance that you
can not feel overwhelmed bythis, like you would if it was,
say announced next year?
Stacy Lewis (17:15):
Oh, yes, for sure.
I mean, in that, and the LPGA.
You know, they've, they've beengreat, because they understand
that they know, I'm stillplaying and they want to be
respectful of that, too. And so,so they've been great so far.
And, you know, we're, we'reworking on a couple getting
another assistant announced herepretty soon and hopefully get
rolling with some of the otherstuff.
Douglas Maida (17:37):
We're gonna take a short break. Before I get to
that Stacy, I want to ask you,because you just mentioned it.
You're coming up to thepossibility of announcing
another assistant captain? Yes.
What kind of timeline did youhave in mind in terms of numbers
and timeline to announce them?
Stacy Lewis (17:55):
Well, you can have up to three, you don't have to
have three, you can have three.
And this other person was issomebody that she's already
said? Yes. So she's alreadyagreed to it. But just somebody
that, again, I've really trustedthroughout my career. She's been
a great friend of mine. And sheimmediately said, Yes, I didn't
even have to twist her arm. So.
(18:17):
So we'll announce it here. Andprobably in the next few weeks,
or probably in the next monthand a half or so as my guess
we'll get that announced. Andthen on the third one, you know,
I'm actually going to wait alittle bit and kind of see, see
how the team kind of fallstogether and see, you know,
what, what I need, what kind ofpersonality, what kind of person
I need in that role, and then gofrom there. So that one, that
(18:40):
third one will probably be nextyear sometime, because if it
does come to the possibility ofme playing, I'm definitely going
to need a third assistant. So sothat'll be something we do next
year.
Douglas Maida (18:52):
Okay, excellent.
So we'll be back shortly. Andwhen we do, we'll pick right up
and I'd like to chat with you alittle bit about some of the
things, what your plans might befor taking the team forward.
Stacy Lewis (19:04):
All right, sounds good.
Douglas Maida (20:08):
We're back. Thank you for staying with us. Now.
Our guest today is Stacy Lewis.
And we're talking Solheim cup2023. Stacy, in response to
being named captain of the team,at one point, you stated that
you believed that the time wasright for both you and the team,
that you step in and fill thatrole. Can you share with us a
little bit about what you meantby that?
Stacy Lewis (20:29):
Yeah. So you know, I was I was a been a part of the
last six Solheim cups playing orcaptaining or assisting whatever
you want to call it. So. So I'veseen it, you know, I've seen
this when we've kind of been ona bad streak of not winning
these last couple. And, andespecially the last one, I saw a
(20:52):
lot of areas that I thought wecould be better, that I think
Pat's struggled a little bitrelating to the players, just
being a little being a littlebit more removed from the tour
and, and with COVID, she wasn'table to travel as much as she
would have liked and be atevents. So. So I don't, I don't
think Pat got a fair kind of afair shake it really in, in what
(21:16):
she was able to do.
So, you know, the timing wasright, you know, me personally,
just at a good point in my life,where I felt ready for it. But I
also feel like I know, theseplayers, and I can relate to
them. And, you know, and what wedid, you know, say should be
about 12 years ago, is my firstSolheim cup. So what we did
(21:38):
those 1012 years ago, is notgoing to work with these current
players, current players aredifferent, you know, every every
generation is different.
Everybody, you have to evolvewith them. And, and we can't do
everything the same that aswe've always done it, you know,
we've got to switch things up alittle bit and adapt to these
girls and, and help them besuccessful. So. So I have a lot
of ideas, and I've seen it fromboth sides. And you know, just
(21:59):
more than anything I think beingable to relate to the players is
is going to be really, reallyhelpful.
Douglas Maida (22:08):
It was written somewhere that your early
priorities for the team and thecompetition included laying a
foundation for future captainsso that there's no need to
reinvent the wheel.
Stacy Lewis (22:19):
Right.
Douglas Maida (22:20):
Would you share with us what your thoughts are
on that? And what it might looklike?
Stacy Lewis (22:24):
Yeah, it's, uh, you know, and that's more working
with the LPGA team that we havein place of, you know, we've
created a calendar of when kindof certain things need to be
done. And, you know, trying whenwe're going to have meetings as
a team, and when me and myassistants are going to have
meetings, just kind of settingmore of a blueprint of you can
do this and still play, becauseI think that is one thing that
(22:47):
could potentially turn somepeople away, of being captain in
the future is there say, oh, no,I don't want to do it yet. I'm
still playing. And so if we cankind of just create more of a
blueprint of how things aregoing to work and, you know,
when we start doing clothing,and how that how that all falls
in together that you know, Ireally think it's possible and I
(23:08):
hope more girls see that for thefuture that you can you can be
captain in and continue to playif that's what you want to do.
Douglas Maida (23:16):
Right? Yeah, I agree with you, I think that's
gonna, you're going to startseeing younger and younger
captains
Stacy Lewis (23:21):
Exactly, on both sides. European side too, as
well. So
Douglas Maida (23:26):
There was a quote by another reporter, I'd like to
share it with you and then askyour thoughts about it. You're
quoted as saying, "How can Imake," as part of one of your
goals is "how can I make theenvironment really positive,
really fun, and make the girlsreally be a team and care about
each other." Do you have anythoughts ideas as to how you're
going to try and make that teamenvironment really positive and
(23:46):
really fun.
Stacy Lewis (23:48):
Um, you know, I have to win the team room
ultimately. And, you know, Ikind of realize that with this
with this generation as they,they are there, they're about
having fun, they want to go havefun, they want to hang out their
friends, we got to have the alot a ton of games and TVs and
music and just fun stuff forthem to do in the team room,
(24:10):
ping pong tables and, you know,as if I can keep them in that
team room as long as possible.
Then I did my job, you know, ifthey're running off to their
rooms to go hide out, then Ididn't do my job. So you know, I
think you know, keeping thingsloose, I'm we're going to
communicate really well, wherethey're going to know what the
schedule is going to be everyday and how it's all going to
(24:30):
work. You know, they really wantto be a part of things is what
I've kind of already talking tothem. You know, they want to be
a part of the pairings, theywant that open communication,
which I think is great, youknow, they they own schooling,
they know their games the best,they know who they're going to
play well within so so we'rejust have that open line of
(24:51):
communication. I'm going to behonest with them and they know
that about me, I'm just prettystraight shooter. I don't
sugarcoat things. I'm honestwhen I need To be in, and I
think I think that is going tobe helpful to them.
You know, there's times where Ihave to tell them no, you know,
they're not going to geteverything that they want. But,
you know, also being a mom and Ihave a three year old that I
(25:12):
have to take care of, you know,I have to she hers know a lot.
So, and I'm okay saying that so.
So just I mean, everything I'vebeen through in my life, you
know, I've I can relate to thesegirls, you know, I say, I've
been number one in points goinginto it. I've qualified kind of
four or five. I've been close onpoints. I've been a pick. I've
not been a pick, you know, I'vebeen all spectrums of this, this
(25:36):
Solheim Cup thing? So. So Ireally, I've been there. I know
what it's like to stress outthose last two months leading up
to Solheim Cup and trying tomake the team and, you know,
just try to stay away and letthe girls play.
Douglas Maida (25:54):
Well, on that point, about involving the
players and whatnot, and theteam room, there's been a lot of
talk, or plenty of talk inrecent years about a pod system
being used by the Americanteams, you know, originally
started with the discussionaround the Ryder Cup team. And
for better or worse, I guess onecould say that Juli and company
have had that as part of theSolheim Cup. I mean, whether it
(26:16):
was formal or informal or not.
How much of that thinking willbe part of your strategy moving
forward? Or are you thinkingthat you might just do something
a little bit more ad hoc or?
Stacy Lewis (26:28):
Well, I like the pod system, just from the fact
from as a player, you kind ofyou know, like, these three
people are, that's potentiallywho I'm going to play with. But
I don't like it as a captain,because you're really limited on
your pairings. If somebodytight, gets hurt, or isn't
playing well, it's really hardto move people around and kind
(26:51):
of shift people in there. Sonot necessarily, I mean, I like
the concept of it, because I dothink there are, there are
certain people that you know,will never play together, you
know, they're on theirpersonalities are on opposite
ends of the spectrum, they'renever going to play together.
So I see it kind of more as asix and six type thing, where
you're, where you can be moreflexible as well with their
(27:14):
practice time. Because that's, Ithink that's one thing that has
not helped the girls prepare aswell is being told, Hey, we're
buses leaving at seven. Andwe're coming back at two. And
this is when you have topractice and you know, not
everybody prepares the same,some people like to stretch and
do a workout. And then they goplay at 10 or 11 o'clock. And
(27:35):
some people like to get up evenearlier than seven play so so
we're going to try to put somemore flexibility in their
practice times as well. Just tohelp them prepare better. And so
I think with a six and six, youcan do that a little bit more
where to be a twosome can go outand play and then a foursome
could go out and play. So sowe're going to look at that. And
(27:57):
that's something I've talked tothe girls about and get their
feedback, but I really think itwill help them make the week
feel more like a normaltournament week for them.
Douglas Maida (28:06):
Right. Now, one of the things that I've that has
been said of the US teams bothon the men's side and on the
women's side is the teams aregreat when it comes to single
player traditionally has been,you know, the strength has been
singles play four ball has beenpretty even. But it's the
foursomes that seems to be theAchilles heel. Yeah, how much
(28:27):
of, or are you going, Is therea lot of thought going into how
you're going to make that work?
And I guess that's a big pointof where you're going to be
talking with the players aboutyou know, who's playing styles
tend to work together and meshtogether. So, you know, when you
do get a sticky point you canhave confidence that your
partner's gonna get you out ofit.
Stacy Lewis (28:44):
Yeah, I mean, a lot of it like you said, his playing
style and who they'recomfortable with. I mean, some
players aren't if their partnerhits it in the rough, some
players just aren't comfortableor there used to just hit the
fairways all the time. So a lotof times I think your your
foursomes, your those players,they're pretty adaptable. They
can kind of play with anybody,but I think most importantly,
(29:06):
they're good putters, and Ithink as a team, we've got to
become better putters,ultimately, because that's, you
think about any kind of matchplay event. That's even like a
USA amateur or anything likethat. Good planning is what wins
it so so that's, you know,something I'm, you know, I've
said a lot and I'm going to keepencouraging the girls to keep
(29:28):
getting better and, and, youknow, like, I love seeing
Jennifer Kupcho win last week,you know, getting the experience
of having to make putts down thestretch, you know, that's,
that's what's going to serve andmake her better as a golfer and
it's going to help us andSolheim cup so would love to see
more, more of that in the nextyear and a half. Yeah,
Douglas Maida (29:49):
For sure. I mean, I think back to Gerina making
that putt you know, just at thattime, a critical putt and then
probably to your dismay, is Me,Suzann making . . .
Stacy Lewis (30:02):
The putt, right?
Nobody ever talks about a sixiron or seven iron, you know, In
match play it it's it's puttingso so we just as a team, I think
we've got to get better in thatarea.
Douglas Maida (30:15):
Right. Right.
Speaking of putting and beingable to understand the greens
and whatnot, the venue for nextyear is Finca Cortesina. So,
it's the host venue will youhave any plans for maybe taking
some players, probable playersto scout the course or play
there a little bit this year or,or next in advance?
Stacy Lewis (30:37):
Well, I'm going to go kind of around the British
Open in August, I just want tocheck the place out for myself
more more of the behind thescenes stuff of how everything's
gonna be laid out. But I'm alsogoing to play the golf course
because I want to see what styleof golf will play well there.
You know, is it a ball strikers?
Is it somebody that hits it far,whatever it is, because I think
that can help with your picks.
(31:01):
When you come down to that, youknow, and I think I'm past all
times I've, I've went andscouted courses early. I've not
played them at all. And I don'treally think it matters, to be
honest, whether the girls wantto go ahead of time if they want
to go play great. We'll set itup for them. Let them go have a
(31:22):
little vacation. I mean, itlooks beautiful. I don't know if
you looked at the website, butit looks beautiful. So so if
they want to go great, I'd lovethem to go check the place out
but but really, I mean they'vegot four days once we get there
to learn the golf course so soit's a lot of it's you know,
let's let's keep it like anormal week. Let's not you know
(31:43):
overanalyze things. And, andbecause ultimately we just got
to go play golf.
Douglas Maida (31:49):
Right. Yeah, it comes to that point where you
gotta let your clubs do thetalking.
Stacy Lewis (31:53):
Exactly. Yeah, you can you can, you can definitely
over prepare in this role too.
Douglas Maida (32:00):
Suzann Petersen is the your counterpart and she
was named a little while ago aswell. Now, correct me if I'm
wrong, but I think it's fairlyfair to say that the two of you
are known as some of thetoughest and most competitive
people on tour.
Stacy Lewis (32:15):
Yes. a little fiesty. We both are a little
feisty.
Douglas Maida (32:19):
Yeah, I was gonna say a little bit feisty in
competition. And yes, you strikeme as the type that don't want
to give up any quarter two tothe other or anything like that.
But is there something we mightbe able to see that or expect to
see I mean, will there be areally aggressive style? Or I
(32:39):
mean, what would you expectcoming out of it? Because I
think there's some thoughts outthere as to -- "ooh, this could
be really interesting andintriguing."
Stacy Lewis (32:46):
It could I, you know, I think I immediately came
to mind as we've had some rulescontroversies at the last couple
of Solheims and I was like, oh,gosh, can we just not have one
because neither one of us isgoing to back down knowing
Suzann and I. So we're just bothso competitive. We both want to
win. And, you know, I can't waitto see her in this role as well.
(33:08):
You know, she's been anassistant, she's seen. You know
what Catriona, Matthew has donethe last couple, you know, and
she's played on far more thanme, her record speaks for
itself. I mean, she's beenamazing in the Solheim Cup. So
you know, so we're gonna have toplay great to just kind of
overcome that. And but I, when Iwas announced captain, that was
(33:31):
one of the things I was mostexcited about is going up
against Suzann, just, I mean,just because she to me, she is
the Solheim Cup. I mean, youthink of the Solheim Cup you
think of Suzann making putts andwinning matches and, and winning
the cup for them. So I can'twait to get there. And, you
know, I'm sure we'll have someinteraction as as we get going
(33:54):
here along the way to.
Douglas Maida (33:58):
Incidentally, though, and all the time that
you've been on the Solheim Cup,I was looking at the records.
And the two of you have onlyfaced each other in a Solheim
Cup once. Yeah, it was in fourball. So
Stacy Lewis (34:10):
I know it's crazy.
It's crazy.
Douglas Maida (34:12):
Yeah, I just you know, but you know, because you
both have pretty good careers,and one would have thought that
you might have come up againsteach other once in a while.
Stacy Lewis (34:19):
I know it's good.
It's kind of funny, it seems howall those matches fall it was I
played in Anna Nordqvist a tonand play Catriona Matthew a ton,
you know, for some reason, youalways kind of get the same
people and I don't know why orwhat the head is, but But yeah,
I mean, I wish I could haveplayed against her more but we,
you know, we play plenty oftimes on tour together and, you
know, I've been around her somuch and I have a ton of respect
(34:42):
for to I mean, she's, she's oneof the best players to ever play
this game. So I can't wait to goup against her.
Douglas Maida (34:52):
And I'm sure your goal is nothing less than
bringing that Cup home.
Stacy Lewis (34:56):
Absolutely, absolutely. But we're gonna have
fun doing it. I think that isthat's my number one going into
the week.
Douglas Maida (35:04):
Fantastic.
Fantastic. I'm already gettingexcited, and it's still a year
and a bit away.
Stacy Lewis (35:09):
That's awesome.
That's awesome.
Douglas Maida (35:12):
Stacy, as we start to wrap up, you have been
one of the leading people ontour in terms of promoting the
game with the youngergeneration, the kids and parents
and whatnot like that. Is thereany, like, take this as a time,
maybe some thoughts you'd liketo share, some pearls of wisdom
about the game or school, orabout getting kids involved, or
(35:37):
the parents and, and things likethat?
Stacy Lewis (35:39):
Yeah, you know, I think, you know, we're seeing
more kids are going to collegein this NIL stuff with being
able to kind of get get somemoney is going to help, you
know, these girls are going tostay in college a little bit
longer and get their education,I think, I think that's always
number one. Having a daughtermyself, I think it's now I think
(36:00):
it's more important. You know,it was always really important
to my parents that I get aneducation and you do your
schoolwork before you go topractice, you know, that's how
it always worked in our family.
And, you know, that's gonnacontinue over. But you know,
gosh, let the kids be kids playa ton of sports, don't
specialize super early, youknow, get them, let them be
(36:20):
athletes, let them you know, berunning on a soccer field, or
playing golf, or baseball orsoftball, whatever it is, you
know, you know, let them letthem have fun, let them be a
part of teams, I think it'simportant just to have that
interaction. You know, and youthey have, they have to love it,
you know, if they don't love it,you know, it's gonna be a fight,
(36:41):
you guys are going to be theparents and the kids are going
to be fighting too much. Andit's not going to be fun for
either one of you.
So, you know, encourage yourkids. Gosh, be so proud. I mean,
you know that that's one thingwith my own daughter is I just I
try to encourage her as much asI can. And if she doesn't want
to hit balls with me, thenthat's totally fine. She can go
(37:03):
play in the field and play inthe bunker or whatever she wants
to do. You know, it's, but thenthere's a Sunday, she's like,
"Mommy, I want to go play golfwith you today." And you know,
as parent, you get all excitedand but, but those days are few
and far between right now. Butthat's okay. But just you know,
help your kids love it. Andalways encourage them.
(37:23):
And, you know, I was, you know,like, we've talked about my
feistiness on the golf course,and my parents had to kind of
learn how to help me rein themin a little bit, you know, there
are definitely times that I gotpretty upset on the golf course,
and, you know, slamming clubsand things like that, but, but
one thing they always did isthey never, they never let that
(37:46):
fire go away. They always justhelped me learn how to kind of
how to manage it and how to dealwith it. Because that fire is
what makes makes you great, youknow, think of all the great
players that have played thisgame, they all have a little bit
of, they get mad at times, youknow, and they want to you can
see it and they get mad theythey do stay slim a club or you
(38:08):
can see it in their face,whatever it is, you know, they
they have that and so I was gladthat my parents never, they
never let that go awaycompletely. They just helped me
learn how to how to rein it in.
Douglas Maida (38:20):
When you say things like that, I think of Ben
Hogan another Texan, with thaticy stare, you know, manifesting
it that way.
Stacy Lewis (38:30):
Even you know, think of Loreena Ochoa. You
know, she seemed to be alwayssmiling at times, but there are
times that she would she get madyou know and and that's what
that's what makes you better.
Douglas Maida (38:40):
What's next for you, Stacy, you've got a week
off this week on the tourschedule is.. Any plans for you
as to when you're going to playyour next event?
Stacy Lewis (38:50):
Yeah, I'm gonna I'm not gonna play in Hawaii but I'm
gonna play the next two out inLA and really kind of building
into the to the US Women's Openour next major first of first
week of June Yeah. So so justkind of getting ready for that
now it's always it's kind ofthose majors are kind of in the
(39:10):
calendar in the back of yourmind of what you're trying to
get ready for so so we'll we'llget back to work here in the
next day or so
Douglas Maida (39:17):
great. So your goal is to play steady regularly
and then try to get yourself topeak in time for the US Women's
Open.
Stacy Lewis (39:24):
US Open. Exactly.
Douglas Maida (39:26):
How familiar are you with that course? Have you
any familiarity with the course?
Stacy Lewis (39:30):
I actually, I played that was my first US Open
at Pine Needles was in 2007 Ibelieve I was still in college
at the time. So that was thefirst US Open I ever qualified
for so I do remember bits andpieces of it but I think they've
they've done some changes kindof made it more like Pinehurst
(39:52):
No.2 with with taking the roughout and things like that which
makes me really excited becauseI love what they did to
Pinehurst No. 2 so So I can'twait to get back.
Douglas Maida (40:01):
Yeah. Terrific.
All right, Stacy. Well, thankyou so much for taking time. I
know you're very busy person andyou just come back recently from
your Asia trip and swing andfamily obligations. So we
completely appreciate this. Thisis wonderful to take time out of
your schedule and share it withus.
Stacy Lewis (40:19):
Awesome. Thank you so much for having me
Douglas Maida (40:20):
on. Thank you very much, Stacy. And that,
ladies and gentlemen, is ourshow for today. Thank you for
staying with us and we lookforward to having you join us
next time. And remember whenyou're out there playing golf,
do your best to keep it on theshort grass.
Amy (Studio) (40:34):
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We're talking golf produced bythe world of golf. This episode
was recorded on Tuesday, April 52022. If you have an idea for a
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