Lewis blisters course until darkness falls

ROGERS, Ark. — University of Arkansas senior Stacy Lewis was four-under par through six holes before darkness forced players off the course at the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club Friday. Lewis actually came off the golf course tied for fifth place – a statistic that is misleading as Lewis only completed six holes of golf. Despite that fact, Lewis is chasing leaders Teresa Lu, Kristy McPherson and Katherine Hull all of whom shot complete round 66s in the afternoon. Lewis and the other players who did not complete rounds face early morning tee times beginning at 7:15 a.m., weather permitting. Early morning rain delays pushed the entire field back and Lewis’ original 1:05 p.m. tee time became 5:35 p.m. When she finally teed off it was to a rousing round of applause as The Woodlands, Texas, native was introduced as a senior for the Lady Razorbacks. Lewis began her evening on the 10th hole and promptly hit her first shot into the bunker short of the green. A light rain started and Lewis ripped her second shot long of the green and into the rough but she chipped onto the green and made a par on the first hole. "That putt on the first hole really gave me some confidence," said Lewis after the round. "I really couldn’t ask for a better start." Lewis would make four consecutive birides, one-putting all but the final hole, which she tapped in for par. Lewis played the par-3 12th hole perfectly driving her second shot within two inches of the cup going two-under. The 2007 NCAA Champion drove her tee shot straight down the middle of the fairway on 13 and kept her second shot low landing just shy of the green. Lewis left herself a three-and-a-half foot putt for birdie, knocking it down and moving to three-under. The 14th hole is one of the most demanding on the golf course. It’s a par-5, 508-yard dog leg left with lots of water and several players were stymied by the elevated green. Lewis left her tee shot a bit shorter than the others playing with her. Her second shot carried 150-yards over the water and up to the next elevation. As Lewis and the gallery moved up to see where her ball landed, all were pleased to see it within 10 feet of the hole. Lewis drained the putt moving to four-under through five holes. Lewis was the first to tee on off on the 15th and shortly after the horn sounded to halt play. All three players decided to finish out the hole. Lewis’ tee shot was right of the pin and she two-putted for par. Lewis and the rest of the second round players, will finish their "first" round in the morning Saturday with second-round action to follow. For more information about Lewis and the Lady Razorback golf team log on to LADYBACKS.COM.