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For the last 17 years, Stacy Lewis literally lived and breathed golf: training, practicing 24/7, and training as though there was no tomorrow. And finally she retired! But fans will remember her for 13 LPGA Tour wins. But why retire at 40? And what next?

Stacy felt it was her body telling her, “It’s time.” Her journey, however, was anything but easy. Diagnosed with scoliosis at 11, she wore a back brace 18 hours a day for seven and half years until she turned 18 and even missed her first collegiate season due to surgery. Yet she persevered, rising to become one of the best players of her era. In September, she officially retired, leaving behind daily workouts, endless practice, and constant travel. So, what’s next? Let’s hear it from Stacy herself.

Recently on the LPGA YouTube channel, Stacy opened up about her plans for life after golf. “I think the working out will continue. That’s just a part of me, and a part of I feel good; I feel better when I do it,” she shared. “The daily practice is definitely going to stop… that’s the part that’s been the hardest, is the practicing and, like, on my body and stuff, just trying to feel prepared and being busy every day.”

Fitness has always been central to Stacy’s life. She credits her rigorous routines for adding as much as 30 yards to her drives. In addition, she has built a career as a certified personal trainer, teaching classes and coaching individuals of all ages. Beyond competition, she has worked as an exercise science teacher and a team training coach. But her priority is now motherhood.

Lewis and her husband, Gerrod Chadwell, welcomed their daughter, Chesnee Lynn, in October 25th, 2018. On the podcast, she said, “Taking Chesnee Lynn to school and picking her up and doing her homework and all of her stuff that she’s got going on. I mean, that’s going to be at the top of the list now. And I don’t know exactly what’s next. I’ve got some ideas and maybe some things out there of what I want to do, but, definitely not a full-time job.”

LPGA star further added with her characteristic honesty and humor, “Been lucky that, I don’t necessarily have to go work, which is pretty darn cool. But I’m just I, you guys know me, I like to stay busy. So, I’m going to find something to do.” Whether it’s fitness, mentorship, or new personal projects, Stacy Lewis is clearly ready to take this next chapter. But let’s be honest, there wasn’t just a single reason for her retirement.

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The real reason for LPGA star’s retirement

There wasn’t a single moment that led Stacy Lewis to retire, it had been on her mind for years. Six years ago, she suffered a rib cage injury that forced her to withdraw from the Solheim Cup. Since then, she has continued to struggle with her right side. “I’ve got a part of my back that doesn’t move, doesn’t twist, and doesn’t rotate,” Lewis explained.

“It’s just the compensation over the years. To go back to how I felt coming out of surgery my freshman year unable to bend or swing a golf club and then to think that 20-plus years later I would still be swinging at this level is really remarkable. I’m just really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

Lewis’ experience as a captain of the Solheim Cup in 2023 and 2024 was a way of prolonging her career. Then, with several good rounds in the early part of this year, the LPGA super star was comfortable with making one last effort. Finally, the decision was determined by the physical requirements of being at the top level of competition.

“I just really wanted to see if there was still any good golf left in me,” Lewis said. “But physically…I havent been able to practice the way I want to over the last two or three years. The amount of time and energy it takes to compete and play well…I physically can’t do it anymore.”

The 2026 Chevron Championship will be the last to play the best event, and the right call to make in her hometown of The Woodlands, Texas, where she is a former champion. It hurts to say goodbye, but LPGA star leaves the game on her own conditions.