Altvater: Two ladies with Toledo ties win LPGA awards
Written by Fred Altvater | | BackNine@toledofreepress.comStacy Lewis became the first American to win Rolex Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour since Beth Daniel in 1994.
Lewis was born in Toledo, but her family moved to Dallas, Texas, as a youngster. She has played in the Jamie Farr tournament since she was an amateur and a student at the University of Arkansas.
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With four wins and 16 top-10 finishes, she had a phenomenal year on the LPGA Tour in 2012.
The 27-year-old also performed well in the major tournaments. She was runner-up in the 2012 LPGA Championship and was T-8 in the Women’s British Open.
She finished third on the LPGA money list with $1.8 million in earnings and is ranked No. 2 in the world.
Everyone is aware of Stacy’s battle with scoliosis. As a teenager she was confined to a body brace for 18 hours per day.
In a touching moment during her acceptance speech she referred to a question that she is continuously asked: Who would be included in her dream foursome?
She said that her dream foursome would only be a twosome, just her and her father.
She also thanked world No. 1 Yani Tseng for her help. Yani has helped her understand what it takes to be a success on the LPGA.
The winner of the 2012 Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, So Yeon Ryu, won the Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award on the LPGA Tour.
She won the Jamie Farr by a whopping seven shots after she fired a nine-under par 62 in the final round.
In addition to her win in Toledo, she had 16 top-10 finishes and won more than $1.2 million. She has risen to No. 9 in the world on the Rolex Rankings.
Ryu earned her 2012 LPGA Tour card by winning the 2011 U.S. Open. She is only 22 years old and has eight professional wins on the LPGA of Korea.
Ryu beat out American Lexi Thompson for rookie of the year honors.
The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic continues to be an important part of the LPGA Tour.
Toledo golf fans are extremely lucky to be able see the exceptional golf talent that is on display every year.
For golf tips and video, visit www.toledoohiogolflessons.com. Follow on Twitter: @tolohgolfr.
Tags: Fred Altvater, Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year, LPGA, Rolex Player of the Year, So Yeon Ryu, Stacy Lewis, The Back Nine
