Stacy Lewis, the 29-year-old Texan who reclaimed her rank as number one in the Women’s World Golf Rankings in June, defends the Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale this week.

Commenting on a field that had been dominated by South Koreans over the past few years, and on a friendly rivalry with Michelle Wie, Lewis said, “You look at the first half of this year and see how many Americans have won and there’s definitely been a switch.”

Lewis added, “I think from the Solheim Cup [defeat] we have all been motivated and we’re finally answering the question ‘where are the Americans?’ It’s great to see and I think it’s a great thing for the LPGA Tour.”

Wie agreed, saying, “We got our butts kicked at the Solheim but now we have some great momentum.” Wie beat Lewis at the Women’s U.S. Open by two shots last month. Lewis later revealed that Wie is “kind of a klutz,” adding that “a lot of people don’t understand what a dork she is. She’s awkward, and that’s part of her charm.”

Despite her loss at the Women’s Open, Lewis was able to retain her world no. 1 ranking after her win at the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship. Lewis commented, “Coming off of last week where I was so close and to come here and to win, it’s really nice to just have that going into the British (Open) in two weeks. I don’t know what it is about these final rounds, I love getting in the heat of the battle the last day and making some birdies.”

Here are some LPGA NW Arkansas Championship highlights:

Commenting on Royal Birkdale, Lewis explained, “It is strange defending on a completely different course. Out here you can’t just rip it with the driver. You can get away with a lot more at St. Andrews.” Wie on the other hand is returning to the venue of her first British Open. She finished third at Birkdale as a 15-year-old in 2005.

This off week went by way too fast! But ready to defend at the @RICOHWomensBrit!

— Stacy Lewis (@Stacy_Lewis) July 6, 2014

Image via Wikimedia Commons