Stacy Lewis wins award named for Hogan

Stacy Lewis tips her putter to the crowd Saturday June 24, 2017 at the Northwest Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers. Lewis finished 13 under par.

— Former Arkansas golfer Stacy Lewis will be presented the Ben Hogan Award later this year.

Lewis, 32, will receive the award as part of the Golf Writers Association of America's annual award banquet April 4 in Augusta, Ga.

The award is presented to individuals who have overcome a physical handicap or serious illness. Lewis was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 11 and wore a back brace for seven years.

“It’s a real honor to win an award with Ben Hogan’s name on it," Lewis said in a statement. "I always felt like what I went through was for a reason, that there was always a purpose. While I wouldn’t wish what I went through on any other kid, I wouldn’t change what happened to me."

Lewis, who won an individual NCAA championship at Arkansas in 2007, has been named LPGA player of the year twice. She has 12 wins on the LPGA Tour, including two majors.