Solheim Cup: Stacy Lewis ruled out with back injury
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Stacy Lewis has been forced to withdraw from the Solheim Cup with a back injury; replaced by Ally McDonald
The U.S Solheim Cup team have been forced to make a late change after Stacy Lewis was forced to withdraw from this year’s contest at Gleneagles with a back injury. She has been replaced by first alternate Ally McDonald.
The 34-year-old, who was set to make her fifth Solheim Cup appearance at Gleneagles this week, said that her back injury flared up last week and despite doing all that she could, she felt unable to play.
“I’m extremely disappointed not to be able to play,” said Lewis. “I’m a competitor and I want to play, but I had a back injury flare up last week. I’ve done everything I could possibly do over the last week to be ready to play.
“For my health and what I feel is in the best interest of the team, I decided to take myself out. I will take a different role with the team and will do whatever I can to help Team USA bring the Cup home.”
Lewis, who was one of Julie Inkster’s two wildcard picks, has been replaced by Ally McDonald, who finished one spot outside automatically qualifying for the team.
“Stacy is one of the fiercest competitors I have ever met,” said U.S Captain Inkster. I know this was an incredibly tough decision for her, but she also has the team’s best interests at heart.
“Stacy will stay with Team USA over the next week and will still be an incredible asset to our crew. But when I had to choose an alternate, I knew Ally would be able to step up for the challenge. She’s got a cool head but a fiery spirit. I know she’ll bring her best to Team USA.”
McDonald will be making her first appearance in the Solheim Cup at Gleneagles, and will be one of six rookies on the United States team.
“I didn’t want to make the team this way, but when Juli told me what was going on with Stacy, I was ready to step into either role, if that was being here and being part of the experience or being ready to tee it up,” said McDonald.
U.S Solheim Cup Team
Lexi Thompson
Nelly Korda
Danielle Kang
Lizette Salas
Jessica Korda
Megan Khang
Marina Alex
Brittany Altomare
Angel Yin
Annie Park
Morgan Pressel
Ally McDonald
