THE ASCENDANT LPGA BENEFITING VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

September 27, 2022

Stacy Lewis

Angela Stanford

Golf Clubs at The Tribute

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: All right, Stacy Lewis, captain of the 2023 Solheim Cup team with a special guest there sitting to your right in Angela Stanford. Stacy, I'll kick off with you. Tell us why we're here today.

STACY LEWIS: Well, I'm excited to announce that Angela is going to be my third assistant captain for the 2023 Solheim Cup. She is or she was my first partner going back to 2011, and I wanted Angela there, to be honest, but I needed her to be ready, and she is had a lot going on in life.

Just wanted her to be ready to put all her energy towards it, so there is a lot of reasons I picked Angela.

But I'm excited to she's on board.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned that she was your first partner in 2011. What was that relationship like growing over the years as playing partners, competitors, both from Texas, same generation-ish, growing up together on the LPGA Tour?

STACY LEWIS: Yeah, obviously I've known her name for a long time just growing up in Texas. To get to play with her at my first Solheim Cup was awesome. I mean, I'm still mad she made me hit that first tee shot, but we can laugh about it now.

I just love her passion and her energy for the Solheim Cup. She's great in the team room with the girls. Last week we announced the stats kind of program that I'm working on, and I think Angela has a really good brain for that.

So that was honestly -- when I got the stats thing done I was like, I need Angela on board. So I think she's going to bring a good mindset there and going to help me a lot the week of with that.

But, yeah, just excited for her. And also it's about the future, right? I'm trying to set us up for the future of captains and things like that. So just giving her the experience of seeing what I'm working on and how we're going about things behind the scenes so that she's ready in a few years, too.

THE MODERATOR: Angela, I know you were assistant captain last year with Pat. Certainly got a lot of Solheim Cup experience under your belt. What was your reaction when you started talking with Stacy about the opportunity to be with her in Spain?

ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah, obviously honored. You know, I think the thing about Solheim Cups is everybody knows how much I love a Solheim Cup. I love playing them, but it's different when you get to be invited to be a part of the Captain's team. Not everybody gets to do that.

It's a huge honor, and I'm extremely grateful that Stacy asked. And she was right, you know, when she walked up to me the first time I was not ready. I think that's what I learned in 2021, is that if you're not 100% there, everybody, whether it's staff, whether it's assistant captains, it's the players, if you're not 100% there, then you're slowing us down.

So I knew emotionally I've had some things go on and I needed to be in a position where I was 100% committed; and I am.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned it has been is difficult year for you with the loss of your mom, which of course we keep you in our prayers and hearts, you and your dad. What was it that got you to the point that, you know, I'm ready to do this?

ANGELA STANFORD: I think obviously just time. Initially I wanted to make one more team. I would love to play on one more team, but I feel like that really wasn't in the cards. You know, that's okay. I love being in the team room, being around the ladies, and being a part of the team.

I've said from my first Solheim Cup, I mean, we spend all year trying to beat each other and now you're going to put the best players on the same team. If you don't want to be a part of that, you're crazy, you know.

It's the best week. It's our most important week. I'm again grateful that I get to put the colors back on.

THE MODERATOR: Stacy, your team is complete now, all three assistants, and now you got to build the actual team, the players' team. What was the process, the thought process as you worked with Morgan and Natalie and now Angela to build the group around you?

STACY LEWIS: Well, it kind of came to together I guess kind of naturally. I knew right away I wanted Morgan, and then the other two came to me over time. People kept asking, who are going to bring, who are you going to bring, and it just happened over time.

It wasn't something that was set in the beginning. I knew I wanted three different personalities and different than me, just so that everybody on team has someone they feel like they can talk to easier and get along with.

We're all different and we need to embrace that, and that's going to help me as well with different personalities, different ideas, different ages, you know, kind of different points in their careers.

So I guess my big thing was that I just didn't want three more of me or three of the same people to complete it. I love the way it all came together, and now we're ready to get to work.

THE MODERATOR: We did have some people jump on the Zoom, and I know Sarah has some questions in the room.

Angela, Stacy mentioned the stats. We talked about KPMG is going to be jumping in with Performance Insights, and I know working with you and Pat last year it was a spreadsheet. Now you'll have a whole lot more data to jump into. Have you talked with Stacy about what that's going to entail, and how excited are you to have more details in front of you now?

ANGELA STANFORD: I think we're going to get into it now. It's step by step. Now that Stacy makes this announcement we can start moving forward. I mean, really loved this last time. I was keeping track of everybody's stats, and I'm of the school that numbers don't lie. If a number tells you something, there is a reason why that number is the way it is.

So I think it's great that Stacy is going outside of the box here and she's -- I think that's the thing that I'm excited to be around Stacy, because we've played against each other, and, yes, she is obviously still upset with me for making her hit the first shot in '11.

STACY LEWIS: And you didn't pick Arkansas last week, so we don't need to talk about that.

ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah. I was right. I look at it as I was preparing her for the grand stage. I think the coolest part about Stacy is one thing matters to her, and that's women's golf. She wants to do everything she can to elevate women's golf, and the passion for Solheim Cup, women's golf in general, it's obvious she has been very thoughtful about everything.

I'm excited to be a part of it, and I am excited to jump into these numbers. I do love looking at things from different angles, and there is a reason why numbers are the way they are.

THE MODERATOR: Absolutely.

Q. This is for both of you. I know you've both watched each other become leaders in the game, and going from your playing days in the Solheim, what's it like to be leaders within women's golf?

STACY LEWIS: It's been fun. I mean, I think it's been a natural progression probably for both of us. For me now it's just learning to embrace it a little bit more and realize that these girls are watching us, especially the young ones.

I kind of -- I've had more times in the last couple years where I've been asked to take pictures after rounds with players when they play with you for the first time. It kind of hits you there.

Like Angela talked about, I want to make this game better, leave it better when I'm done, and I always say, you know, we have to take ourselves seriously for everybody else to take us seriously, and we have to do things differently, the right way, and look and act professional and things like that.

So I just keep trying to push the bar until people say no.

Q. Angela, same question, now that you're here especially.

ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah, I think it's something you don't really realize until you get to certain points of your career. I think a lot of people thought I was hard to talk to sometimes, but when I'm on the course it's just about one thing.

I think now that I'm getting towards the end of my career I want those ladies to have the same passion. Like I want you to be out there trying to beat me and out there trying to beat everybody.

At the same time, I do want you to do it the right way, have some class, have some character, respect this game that has given all of us so much. I hope that in the end of this people see how much passion I have for, whether it's golf or the Solheim Cup.

Q. Angela, to be able to announce this, I know you had a two-hour drive in today. Being from this area, what does it mean to you to have this announcement made today in your home state?

ANGELA STANFORD: Well, I'm an American but, I'm a Texan, too. I was talking about it earlier this morning. I think this tournament came back here in 2012; is that? I remember thinking how cool that was. I played high school golf here, junior golf, college golf. To get the chance to play professional event in your hometown is a pretty big deal.

To get to announce this, the pinnacle of women's golf here in my backyard, again, I'm grateful Stacy asked and just excited to be a part of it.

Q. I'll talk Texas. Stacy, start with you. Kind of similar question. Back in Texas. I know it's not hometown Texas, but it's still the state. How are you feeling coming into the week?

STACY LEWIS: It's still close. To me I can drive here. I have my own car this week, so it is like home. Obviously just love playing in Texas. Just chipping off the grass and just, I don't know, just feels like home when you come here.

It's a great time of the year to be in this area, so I don't know, I'm just looking forward to playing some better golf. I want to play a little bit better. Haven't played very good the last few weeks.

So just trying to keep working on things and hopefully have a good finish this week.

THE MODERATOR: Angela, this was the spot of your last win, last time you were able to hoist a trophy. I think that's always got to be good memories coming back to a spot. I know, bittersweet. You had mom and dad there both with you. Still, it's got to be some good memories here.

ANGELA STANFORD: Yeah, I think any time you show up to a place that you've had some success it kind of feels comfortable. Kind of like what Stacy was saying, it just feels comfortable. Even when I go down and play in Houston or anywhere in Texas, you know you're in your home state.

Yeah, I love that we get to play here, and so, yeah, I think it's going to be another great week. Like Stacy said, this is the most perfect time to be in Texas. I tell people all the time October is it, and we're sneaking up on October.

Just a great time to be here. Cowboys won last night, so everybody is happy right now.

STACY LEWIS: I will say, too, Old American keeps investing in women's golf and they're making some great upgrades to this property and to the clubhouse and the amenities.

So it's just really cool to have a place like that that they really want to make this one of our best stops on the LPGA. It's cool to come back every year and see the changes and the investment they're making just for us.

So kudos to Old American, and thank you.

Q. Angela, when you come back here and play, what's that week like in terms of seeing friends, you're trying to do your I've been on the course, but at the same time let people know, Hey, I'm glad your here. Take me through that.

ANGELA STANFORD: Fortunately we've had ten years now, ten, 11 years to do this. I remember the first few years were really tough. I remember getting off the airplane and everybody followed me out the door. I'm like, whoa, whoa, whoa, nobody ever gets off and stops at DFW.

I think just the whole mentality of when I leave the course, yes, I'm going home, but it's also a tournament week. So it is very different. I tell people, and I know they get frustrated with me, get me your ticket requests early in the week. I can't be rolling up on Thursday leaving you tickets. I'll do it and it's great to have people out, but it makes it easier if I can knock that stuff out early in the week.

But it's a big deal when people get to see you play in person. They can turn on the TV, watch highlights, but to see you in person, it's fun for us, too. The more people we can get out here, you know. You love playing in front of people. It is a different week, but it's awesome.

Q. Outside of a major, is this the one place you want to win in terms of, Hey, checking things off?

ANGELA STANFORD: I would say yeah, both of us.

STACY LEWIS: I won on the other golf course. Getting to win in your home state, like Angela said, with all your fans, family there, there is nothing like it. I remember when I won I gave my -- at the time the trophy actually had the state of Texas on it, and I gave it to my parents and they took it home and that's the only trophy that they have at their house is the one I won here in Dallas.

It's a special place for us and exciting we get to play at home.

ANGELA STANFORD: Newy, I'm glad you figured that out. It's good to see you and hear from you.

Q. Angela, it's cool to see you it's been a joy to watch you do what you do and you do it with such class.

ANGELA STANFORD: I appreciate you jumping on and being a part of this. I like for the media around here to get involved.

Q. I'm trying to get my kids back into golf. You know, I got -- my oldest has a golf teacher that keeps trying to get her in the game. Will you please do this for me. I know she has a little bit of skill, but I can go to the golf course and golf if you do it. But I can't go unless she goes, so...

STACY LEWIS: Keep trying.

Q. Not only is it a good sport to learn, but it's a life skill, and there are so many things that -- the game of golf has given young ladies more than ever.

STACY LEWIS: That's right.

ANGELA STANFORD: Agree. Thanks, Newy.

THE MODERATOR: Can we put that in a PSA? We have you on camera.

Q. Anything you want. I had my girls in a pink tee program. It was down in Dallas. They just hated the drive. But it's just the life skills and learning, and I just want them to be able to do it. I also just tell people, you know what, when you have three daughters, the only way you can go golf is you got to take them with you. (Laughter.)

THE MODERATOR: Absolutely. There is always a spot on the golf course for little girls. Just ask any player on tour. Stacy how often do you have -- does Chesnee still have that little plastic club?

STACY LEWIS: Oh, she has real clubs now, we're onto the real clubs.

Q. Awesome. A lot of players from Texas have won this tournament, and we've got two Texas Monday qualifiers, a lot of players from Texas play in this tournament. Why do you think that is?

STACY LEWIS: Honestly, think it's the style of golf, the grass you're hitting off, the types of shots you're having it chip around the greens. I think it's that more than anything.

It's very different. I think chipping around the greens is very different. And playing in the wind. You're always going to have bit of wind here. It's great to see the young kids coming out of Texas that are playing really well, so it's nice to see that, too.

Q. Angela, I'll follow up with that: Do you think that gives you an advantage playing out here? Either of you want to win out here again? Obviously you do.

ANGELA STANFORD: I think it does, just because you're more aware of, like she said, the conditions or the grass, things that you don't have to learn early in the week. Like I know when you go to other parts of the country there are certain shots you got to try to figure out.

This week you get to relax and work on your game and there is not those extra things you're trying to figure out. I would also say the North Texas PGA, all the junior golf programs in Texas have always been outstanding. I think the first part of my career I was surprised that we didn't have a tournament here from junior golf all the way to college golf.

Now, I mean, it seems like there are so many more women playing in Texas.

THE MODERATOR: Thanks for joining us, Newy and Sarah and everybody in the room. I'll wrap it up by saying to either one of you, Stacy, I'll start with you. You got your team now. You're ready to focus on the end of the season. What are you looking for over the next few weeks as we wrap up the season?

STACY LEWIS: Personally, I want play a little bit better golf and make CME. We're working on lots of stuff for the players. We'll really dive into the stats thing I think over the next couple months.

We're coming up with a calendar for next year. I think early next year will be pretty busy. Yeah, it's hard to believe it's less than a year from Solheim Cup already. It seems like just yesterday I was given this opportunity.

So the last what's it been, seven, eight months have already gone by so fast. I know it's going to be here before we know it, and the hardest part is yet to come, the picks at the end. So I'm excited.

We're on track with what I want to do so excited do keep moving forward.

THE MODERATOR: Angela, we were chatting yesterday and you mentioned you're really excited to take this overseas, that you've had so much of your Solheim Cup time overseas, even your Curtis Cup was overseas. How much of Stacy's brain have you picked about the trip to Spain last month? Have you been to Spain before? What are you looking forward to in the next year?

ANGELA STANFORD: I have been to Barcelona. Stacy was good about sending us details of the course when she was there and send us videos and things.

I think as that gets closer you start to talk about those things. Stacy has it mapped out and knows what we need to focus on and when. Yes, I am excited to go back overseas.

I don't know, I've said in ever sport I ever played I always love playing in the opponents' gym or the opponents' field. I just loved it. I love that challenge, and I love that everybody is cheering against you.

I just absolutely love it. So I'm excited to go back over and I can't wait to get started and get going.

THE MODERATOR: I think we'll wrap things up. Thank you both. Excited for what's to come, but most importantly, first, good luck this week. Enjoy it. We'll be talking a lot. Thanks everybody on the line. Appreciate it. Have a great day, guys.

ANGELA STANFORD: Thank you.

STACY LEWIS: Thanks for joining us.