Jessica Korda, a six-time LPGA champion, has withdrawn from the U.S. Women’s Open in California. According to the USGA, Korda was one of three players who were fully exempt from competing. The other two are Japan’s Mone Inama and South Korea’s Hee Jeong Lim. The Rolex Rankings place Hee Jeong Kim, of South Korea, at No. 66, and Japan’s Mone Inami, ranked No. 84.
Korda , 30, has been suffering from a back injury since a while now. She recently said that the pain has not improved and she is forced to withdraw from a number of events.
Korda posted on her social media that it was frustrating to be forced to repeat the same thing over and over again. On the advice of my doctors, I’ve decided to stop playing football until my back is fully healed.
Six-time LPGA winner, Korda teed off last in May, at the CognizantFounders Cup. She withdrew from the event after her first round 72. In six starts, her best finish is a tie for 18th place at the Dio Implant LPGA Open.
The U.S. Women’s Open Trophy, seen at the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links
(Copyright USGA/Kip Evans) (Copyright USGA/Kip Evans)
Five players were added to the 156-player field, including recent LPGA champions: Azahara Muoz, Moriya Jtanugarn Allysha Mae Mato Jenny Coleman, and Kumkang Park.
Coleman, the second alternate at the Atlanta qualifying site, was called after Agathe laisne declined to take the place.
The championship will take place from July 6-9, marking the first time that the legendary track has hosted a major women’s race. The Rolex Rankings top 75 players must qualify by July 3 to be considered. If you are not already qualified, the winner of This week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship can earn a place.
