Nelly Korda’s trip abroad, Alison Lee’s “Bear” attack, and more while the LPGA remains on mini-hiatus
By Addie Parker
The IX: Golf Thursday with Addie Parker, Feb. 15, 2024
Happy Golf Thursday! The LPGA has been on a brief hiatus since the Drive On Championship but will return to action next week in Thailand for the Honda LPGA. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been going on around the world of women’s golf over the last couple of weeks.
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Nelly Korda training abroad
World No.2 Nelly Korda jetted off to Prague after her win in Florida—where she’s been training and refueling at a wellness resort.
From strength training and conditioning to sipping on premium coffee (she’s a bit of an aficionado), Korda has made the most of her time off.
Meanwhile, big sister Jessica welcomed her baby boy last week.
Alison Lee’s nasty “Bear” bite
Lee ended 2023 on a high note, winning on the LET in Saudi Arabia and finishing runner-up in her last three LPGA starts. Although she remains winless on the LPGA, Lee’s game was trending in the right direction, well, until this latest bump in the road.
While hitting the slopes in Japan last month, Lee was intentionally cautious to preserve herself and her body, but her efforts weren’t effective against her boyfriend’s rescue pomeranian, Bear, clamped down on her left hand, resulting in several open wounds.
The drama doesn’t end there, the bite ended up sending Lee hospital once more after her arm turned red; she was diagnosed with lymphangitis (lymph vessels get inflamed due to infection). Doctors cut her hand open in two places to get rid of the infection, leaving Lee with some nasty stitches (which she shared on her Instagram account, second pic in her photo dump).
Lee had to withdraw from the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and the Honda LPGA Thailand due to the dog bite but will make her return on Feb. 29-March 3 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.
Lilia Vu teams up with Ally, USWO prize fund increases
The U.S. Women’s Open has already been the largest prize purse in women’s golf…and it just got bigger, a whopping $12 million bigger. The USGA and CEO Mike Whan is constantly looking to advance this event in particular, raising the bar across the sport.
“Partnering with Ally allows us to not only continue elevating the U.S. Women’s Open, but to also further our commitment to the future of the game via our U.S. National Development Program,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “Ally has established itself as a force in sports, with a passion for equity across the industry. Its brand values and actions align perfectly with ours, and I can’t wait to see what we are able to do together.”
Additionally, Ally and World No.1 Lilia Vu announced a partnership, where Vu will become a part of its team of athletes on a sponsorship deal.
“I’m proud to be partnering with Ally as they align with the USGA and continue their mission to change the game for women’s sports and elevate the U.S. Women’s Open,” Vu said. “Their commitment to advancing equity in women’s sports is unprecedented, and I look forward to working with their team and my fellow brand ambassadors to create change while encouraging others to do the same.”
Ford and Porsche are the latest sponsors
It seems that the LPGA is kicking into its next gear with sponsorships, as the latest partnerships with Ford and Porsche were announced.
The LPGA Tour and Ford announced that Ford has joined the LPGA Tour family as the title sponsor of the Ford Championship presented by KCC. Seville Golf and Country Club, in Gilbert, Arizona, March 28-31.
“Ford’s collaboration with the LPGA Tour represents our commitment to supporting women in sports and showcasing their incredible talent on a global stage,” said Lisa Materazzo, global chief marketing officer, Ford Motor Company. “Through the Ford Championship presented by KCC, we aim to elevate the visibility of female athletes in the golfing world and inspire a new generation of fans.”
As for the majors, the Amundi Evian Championship (a premier event as is with partners like Rolex and Veuve Clicquot) has announced Porsche to join its sponsors’ club as an official partner. Per the LPGA, “This partnership underlines a shared vision and commitment between two supporters of golf. High-performance sports cars meet one of the leading events in women’s golf – as the automotive and mobility partner of The Amundi Evian Championship, Porsche and its wide range of vehicles will give players and visitors a more intense sports car feeling from this year onwards.”
This week in women’s golf
If you have links you wish to share for Golf Thursday, sources for golf news, or want to talk about anything at all, you can email me at addieparker25@theixsports.com ! Discussion of any kind is always welcome…I mean it…MESSAGE ME!
LPGA News
Nelly Korda joined popular golf podcast/YouTube channel Fore Play for a little lefty fun
LET News
Field Breakdown: Aramco Saudi Ladies International
How to watch the Aramco Saudi Ladies International
NCAA/Amateur News
USGA announces qualifying sites for 2024 U.S. Women’s Open
Chun-Wei Wu earns amateur exemption into the Chevron Championship
Five at The IX: 19-year-old shines with maiden win in Kenya
Shannon Tan created history at the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open becoming the first Singaporean to win on the Ladies European Tour!
She’s also on this week’s episode of the LET’s podcast!!!
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