During the U.S. Women’s Open, Kang’s brother posted on Instagram some troubling news: His sister was playing the major championship with a tumor in her spine. Kang had withdrawn from the Palos Verdes Championship at the end of April, citing back pain. It wasn’t until the U.S. Women’s Open that news of the tumor was public.
As Kang continues to work with her doctors on a plan, she announced on Instagram that she’ll take some time off from competitive golf. In addition to three regular LPGA Tour events, she’ll miss the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the major she won in 2017. That event is scheduled for June 23-26.
Said Kang in her post: “As a past champion this was not an easy decision, however, if I’ve learned anything from throwing a fit to play in the U.S. Open, I want to compete, not just participate.”
Despite the back pain, Kang made the cut last week at Pine Needles and ultimately tied for 63rd.