Team USA were forced into a late change to their Solheim Cup group following Stacy Lewis was ruled out with a spine injury.
Ally McDonald has, substituted lewis, who had been one of Juli Inkster’s captain’s selections for the competition at Gleneagles after aggravating her issue on Monday afternoon.
The 34-year-old was having treatment for the injury after it flared up during the Cambia Portland Classic and, though she had been passed fit to take her place on the team, the ailment returned on the opening day of clinic.
Lewis, who had been put to create her Solheim Cup appearance, has been seen while being consoled by Inkster and a number of her team-mates, and she’ll stay to support her staff.
“Stacy is among the fiercest competitors I’ve ever met. I am aware this was a remarkably tough decision for her, however, she has the team’s best interests at heart,” said Inkster.
“Stacy will remain with Team USA within the next week and will still be an incredible asset for our crew. But when I had to choose an alternate, I knew Ally would have the ability to step up for the battle. She has got a cool head but a fiery soul. I know she’ll bring her very best to Team USA.”
An emotional Lewis added:”I’m extremely disappointed to not be able to playwith. I am a competitor and I wish to playwith, but I had a spine injury flare up last week. I’ve done everything that I could possibly do over the previous week to be ready to play.
“For my health along with that which I feel is in the best interest of the group, I decided to take out myself. I will have a different function with the group and will do anything I could to help Team USA attract the Cup home.”
McDonald was because the alternative on standby at Gleneagles, and she’ll now become the most demanding Solheim Cup rookie on the group that was visiting.
“I did not need to create the team this way, however if Juli told me exactly what was going on with Stacy, I was prepared to step into role, if that was here and being a part of the adventure or being ready to tee it up,” explained McDonald.
“It was just mentally preparing for either situation. I am obviously quite excited to perform . This was a goal of mine to play on this group.”
The change is similar to that of Europe from the previous contest when when Suzann Pettersen was ruled out with a problem vice-captain Catriona Matthew needed to step into as a participant.
Read more: http://new.mollyfletcher.com/blog/odds-to-win-2019-gander-rv-400-at-dover/
