Sophia Popov decided to take a rest period to heal her right shoulder. However, she soon discovered that a longer leave was required because Maximilian Mehles and she are expecting their first child in June.
Popov said that both of them are thrilled to be in Austria and Germany until the end of the month. Mehles, who is a former Kentucky golfer and was there when Popov won at Royal Troon in 2007, recently started a job as an accountant.
Popov, 30 years old, had an MRI performed while she was at the AIG Women’s British Open in August. She was diagnosed with supraspinatus tendency, which is also associated with impingement syndrome. Popov played at the CP Women’s Open one more time in August before deciding she needed to rest. She felt a huge weight loss immediately.
Popov said that all the stress had been emitted from her body, and she discovered in October that she was actually pregnant.
Popov was diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a young lady. She said that doctors had repeatedly told her to not wait too long to have children. Both of these conditions can affect fertility.
Popov said that they had already said that they don’t want too much time. “I don’t want to be in a position where I’m under pressure.”
Popov has been motivated by the recent successes of moms such as Stacy Lewis who won after giving birth and Chesnee a daughter, to return to the tour in 2024. Popov can see herself participating in some test events towards the end 2023, possibly on either the Ladies European Tour and Epson Tour.
2020 AIG Women’s British Open Champion said that she won’t return to the game until her body is ready. She also noted that the work of traveling moms on the road is “super underestimated.”
Popov knows from experience that being a mom to the LPGA will bring her a new perspective.
Popov said, “We are fortunate enough in our sport that we can do that.” “Golfers can sometimes peak in their early 30s or 40s.” It’s important for your child to know that this is possible. It’s possible to be a high-performance athlete, do something well, and travel with your child and show them the world.
