On Tuesday, September 10th, Stacy Lewis, former world No. 1 and 12-time LPGA Tour champion, withdrew from Team USA at the 2019 Solheim Cup due to back pain she had been experiencing since the Cambia Portland Classic two weeks prior. After arriving back home, Lewis received a more definitive diagnosis, as her doctors were able to identify a rib cage injury. As a result, Lewis expects to be out for eight weeks, and will likely not return until the start of the 2020 LPGA Tour season.

Juli Inkster announced Lewis as a captain’s pick on Monday of the Cambia Portland Classic, which would mark Lewis’ fifth Solheim Cup appearance. As the week went on in Portland, Lewis began feeling back pain that was amplified during play. She ultimately withdrew from Team USA’s roster and was replaced by first alternate, Ally McDonald, but stayed in Scotland to support the team.

As the 2019 LPGA Tour season winds down, Lewis will require time off to heal, and will likely miss the remainder of the season. Despite the setback, Lewis maintains a positive outlook and looks forward to her return in early 2020.

“Given the nature of my injury, I will likely not return until the start of next year,” said Lewis. “The time off will give me the chance to get healthy and stronger, and to spend time with my family.”