Stacy Lewis: A Golf Icon's Journey from Adversity to $10 Million Legacy
In the world of women's professional golf, few names command as much respect as Stacy Lewis. Her remarkable 17-year career on the LPGA Tour is a testament to resilience, skill, and unwavering determination. Alongside her husband, college golf coach Gerrod Chadwell, Lewis has built a legacy that transcends the fairways, culminating in a combined net worth of approximately $10 million as she prepares to retire following the 2025 season.
Championship Pedigree and Monumental Achievements
Lewis's professional journey is decorated with extraordinary accomplishments that have cemented her status among golf's elite:
- Accumulated over $14.6 million in official LPGA Tour prize money
- Captured 13 LPGA titles, including two major championships
- Won the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship and 2013 Women's British Open
- Earned the prestigious Rolex Player of the Year award in 2012 and 2014
- Achieved the top position in the Women's World Golf Rankings in 2013, holding it for 21 weeks
Her peak performance years between 2011 and 2014 saw her consistently ranking at the summit of the LPGA money list. Beyond tournament victories, Lewis secured lucrative endorsement partnerships with global brands like KPMG and Mizuno, further solidifying her financial success and marketability.
Overcoming Early Health Challenges
Lewis's path to golf greatness was paved with significant physical obstacles. Born in Toledo, Ohio on February 16, 1985, and raised in The Woodlands, Texas, she was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager. For several years, she wore a back brace before undergoing spinal fusion surgery at age 18.
This major medical intervention forced her away from golf for nearly a year, but her triumphant return showcased her indomitable spirit. She channeled this resilience into her collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, where she became a four-time All-American and the 2007 NCAA Player of the Year.
Her collegiate highlights include helping Arkansas secure its first NCAA championship and winning all five of her matches at the 2008 Curtis Cup for the United States team.
Professional Ascendancy and Family Life
Turning professional in 2008, Lewis immediately demonstrated her world-class potential by finishing tied for third at the 2008 U.S. Women's Open. Her breakthrough major victory came just three years later at the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship, launching her into the upper echelons of the sport.
In her personal life, Lewis married Gerrod Chadwell on August 6, 2016. The couple welcomed one child, with Lewis skillfully balancing motherhood with her professional commitments. She continued representing the United States in premier team events like the Solheim Cup while maintaining her competitive edge on tour.
Financial Legacy and Retirement Plans
The combined professional endeavors of Stacy Lewis and Gerrod Chadwell have created substantial financial success. By 2025-2026, their estimated net worth of $10 million reflects Lewis's tournament earnings, endorsement deals, and their shared involvement in golf-related ventures.
Lewis's announcement that she will retire following the 2025 season marks the conclusion of an era in women's golf. Her decision comes after nearly two decades of competitive excellence that saw her overcome physical adversity to reach the pinnacle of her sport.
As one of golf's most respected figures prepares to step away from professional competition, her legacy extends beyond trophies and earnings. Stacy Lewis's journey from scoliosis patient to world champion serves as an enduring inspiration, while her financial achievements alongside her coach husband demonstrate the multifaceted success possible through dedication to the sport they both love.
