Unclad Caddies, a Karaoke Device, and Former President Barack Obama: The Secrets to Team USA's Victory at the Solheim Cup
The USA's team captain had a lengthy flight home to ponder over losing the Solheim Cup victory at the last moment in Spain the preceding year, as Europe managed an extraordinary comeback to keep the trophy. Eventually, the frustration turned into uncontrollable sobbing.
"I just couldn't hold it together," Lewis told CNN's Patrick Snell.
"All the hard work and effort, and we didn't come out on top. I've been driven since then to figure out how to prevent this from happening again, how to ensure we cross the finish line victorious."
Exactly a year later, Lewis had the answers to these questions and they ran the gamut from karaoke machines to dinner parties with former U.S. presidents.
Under Lewis' guidance, her team clinched a satisfying triumph in Gainesville, Virginia last Sunday, with the host team winning 15.5 to 12.5 over Europe at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, bringing an end to a seven-year wait to lift the Solheim Cup.
Tears of a different kind streamed down after Lilia Vu sealed victory with a stunning shot, seeing Lewis surrounded by her emotional husband, parents, and - in a full-circle moment - her five-year-old daughter Chesnee, who rushed onto the green to hug her mom.
"I told her we'd won the trophy and she started crying," Lewis remembered.
"They'd seen the behind-the-scenes work and I'd missed out on time with them. They realized how much this meant to me."
Camaraderie
With only three changes in the 12-member team that came close to victory the previous year - rookies Sarah Schmelzel and Lauren Coughlin joined by 2015 winner Alison Lee - Lewis led a tight-knit group that shared a common pain into Virginia.
Team chemistry strengthened further owing to the most prestigious of cheerleaders, president Barack Obama.
An honorary member at Robert Trent Jones, Obama made a surprise appearance at a team dinner in Washington D.C., ahead of the tournament before surprising everyone again with a visit to the first tee on the first day as the U.S. stormed into a record-breaking 6-2 lead.
"It meant a lot. The team and players were really thrilled to meet him," Lewis, 39, said. "You could tell he'd watched some before, that was definitely a special day for us."
An infectious team spirit manifested clearly on the second day of play, as two US caddies responded to a stunning hole-out for eagle from Lee during one fourball match by stripping off their shirts.
After apologizing, caddies Jack Fulghum and Taylor Takada learned they were not in trouble for their enthusiastic celebrations from Lewis, who cherished the now-viral moment.
"I just told them they were going viral," Lewis recalled. "Those videos and the ones I saw of my team, singing and dancing and just being kids, that's what comes to mind when I think of this team, something I'll remember for a long time."
Rest and Relaxation
A powerful Saturday led by the mercurial Nelly Korda saw Lewis' team take a 10-6 lead into the final day, leaving Europe needing to replicate the Miracle of Medinah from the 2012 Ryder Cup - the men's equivalent of the Solheim Cup - to deny them a long-awaited win.
Though England's Charley Hull threatened to orchestrate another dramatic comeback with an opening singles triumph over world No. 1 Korda, the host team held its nerve to clinch the victory, which became a makeshift champagne bucket.
For Lewis, a potential hangover was the only source of discomfort on this year's flight home, the 13-time LPGA Tour winner set to participate in more action at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Thursday before taking a break for the remainder of the season.
Any thoughts of potentially returning as captain to defend the trophy in the Netherlands in 2026 will have to wait.
"I don't think that's my decision to make, but I'd find it hard to say no if they asked me again because I had so much fun," Lewis said.
"The past three years have been quite busy. I need some relaxation and rest."
"Golf was the chosen activity for team bonding during their preparations in Virginia, playing at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club."
"Despite her busy schedule, Lewis is looking forward to some rest and relaxation after the tournament, possibly skipping the captaincy role for the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands."
