Q/A With Kraft Nabisco Defending Champion Stacy Lewis

Stacy Lewis made a splash on the LPGA Tour last year with a run that started with the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage.

The No. 9 golfer took some time from her busy schedule to answer some questions about this year's tournament, set for March 29 through April 1 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage.

Palm Desert Patch: Last year (2011) you won the Kraft Nabisco Championship, that really propelled you the rest of the season. What are you doing to keep that going this season?

Stacy Lewis: I’ve just been trying to ride the momentum. I’ve been playing well, working a lot on my swing and focusing on my putting.

Palm Desert Patch: What stands out to you about playing in the Kraft Nabisco Championship? What do you like about the desert?

Stacy Lewis: I wasn’t always a fan of desert golf, but I’m starting to like it more and more. I do really enjoy Mission Hills, it just fits my eye. I like that it’s always hard and you’ll get wind at least one day. Then there’s walking up the 18th at the Kraft, it’s the best memory I have and it’s one the best experiences we have as a finishing hole.

Palm Desert Patch: Last year, after you won, your whole family jumped in the pond at the 18th hole and your mom got hurt. Do you think that jump will change the way Kraft Nabisco winners celebrate?

Stacy Lewis: I actually heard they’ve dug the pond out and made it deeper and there’s a celebration to announce it. I think the winner will continue to jump in the pond, but they’ll probably do more of a cannonball!

Palm Desert Patch: You spend a lot time away from the golf course giving back. How rewarding is that for you? What it is like to be able to go to travel the world, and give hope to others?

Stacy Lewis: I’m in a very unique position to give back to a lot of people and feel very lucky to be where I am. So giving back in just kind second nature to me and something I try to do every week. To meet people from all over the world and knowing that me playing golf is inspiring them to get through a surgery, to recover or get better makes what I do really worth it.

Tickets are available for the tournament at kncgolf.com.