American Stacy Lewis, the 2013 AIG Women’s Open champion at St Andrews, is “excited” about the prospect of playing the Old Course in tough, windy conditions.
The forecast is for light rain on Thursday, with 17-22 mile per hour winds, gusting 30-35 miles per hour around the start of play. She tees off at 7.33am in the company of Karrie Webb and Catriona Matthew.
“I grew up in Texas. I grew up where it’s windy. I’m used to playing in the hot elements, not the cold but I’m used to playing in the elements. I’ve always enjoyed when golf courses play harder. I’d rather 5-under win than 25-under. So maybe it’s just me, I don’t know,” said the United States Solheim Cup Captain.
“The weather, it always is the biggest test when we come over here and you know, 2013 we had our share of issues, as well. We didn’t play at all on Saturday because of wind. But you know, this week looks horrendous to be honest, and you just have to deal with it the best you can and get through it.
“I mean, the biggest difference I think is in the golf course itself and how much softer it’s playing than 2013. I mean, it was — I look back at the old yardage book and the pictures and it was much more brown. Ball was running a whole lot more. The golf course plays very different when it’s wet like this.”
Lewis believes that the winner will have to be a good wedge player and have a strong mindset.
She continued: “There’s a lot of people when they get off the plane and they see the weather, it’s not going to fit them. But you know, to me, I get excited about it. I see the weather. I see the forecast. I’m ready. I’m excited.
“Keeping everything dry. That is the biggest challenge, especially here because it’s going to be raining sideways and it’s not like you can just stand under an umbrella and hide. To me it’s keeping the hands dry. Keeping grips dry.
“It’s a perspective, right. You’ve got to do the best you can. There may be times where you can’t get to a green in two because of where you’re driving, and you’ve got to go get the ball up-and-down.”
Lewis loves the history of the Old Course and said that she has incredible memories, from playing in the Curtis Cup in 2008, to winning and celebrating in 2013.
“This is probably one of my favourite places in the world to be, obviously because of the success but just love the history of the game and this golf course and this place. And just the memories I’ve had here with golf and my family and to be able to bring everybody back again is a really big deal, and it’s been a lot of fun this week. It’s been very busy but it’s been a lot of fun.”
Lewis won by two strokes in 2013 and if she wins again, her daughter, Chesney, has asked her for a swimming pool, with a slide. “I’ll try to make that happen,” she said.
