Nelly Korda, the World No. 1 golfer, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ladies European Tour (LET) Aramco Team Series tournament due to an injury sustained from a dog bite. The tournament was scheduled to take place next week at Centurion Club in Hemel Hempstead, England. Korda made the announcement on her Instagram account, expressing her regret and explaining the circumstances of her withdrawal.
“I regret to announce that I must withdraw from next week’s Ladies European Tour tournament in London,” Korda stated. “On Saturday in Seattle, I was bitten by a dog and need time to receive treatment and recover fully. I apologize to the LET, the sponsors, and my fans for my absence. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to returning to the course soon.”
Korda, 25, was the defending champion of the event, having won the 54-hole tournament last year by four strokes over Charley Hull. This victory marked her third career win on the LET. However, the severity of her injury has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear how long she will be sidelined.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Korda, who has been experiencing a rough patch in her career. She missed the cut at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last week, marking her third consecutive missed cut. Despite these recent struggles, Korda has had a successful season overall, with six event wins, including her most recent victory at the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey.
The LPGA tour will have a week off following this week’s Dow Championship, which may provide Korda with additional time to recover. The tour will resume with the fourth major of the season, the Amundi Evian Championship, scheduled to take place in Evian-les-Bains, France, from July 11-14. Korda is also slated to compete for the U.S. in the Paris Olympics from August 7-10, where she aims to defend the gold medal she won in Tokyo in 2021.
Korda’s withdrawal from the LET event is a significant blow, not only for her but also for the tournament organizers and her fans. Her absence will be felt, especially given her status as the World No. 1 and her impressive track record. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges athletes face, both on and off the field.
This is not the first time a dog bite has affected a prominent LPGA player this season. Earlier in the year, American golfer Alison Lee was bitten by her boyfriend’s rescue dog, a black Pomeranian named Bear. The bite led to an infection that required surgery, forcing Lee to withdraw from the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and the Honda LPGA Thailand.
Korda’s situation underscores the importance of taking time to heal and recover fully from injuries, no matter how unexpected they may be. Her decision to prioritize her health and well-being is commendable, and her fans will undoubtedly support her as she navigates this challenging period.
As the golf world awaits Korda’s return, her focus will be on receiving the necessary treatment and ensuring a full recovery. The hope is that she will be able to compete in the upcoming major tournaments and continue her pursuit of excellence on the golf course.
In the meantime, the LET Aramco Team Series tournament will proceed without its defending champion. The event will still feature a strong field of competitors, but Korda’s absence will be a notable one. Her presence and skill on the course are always a highlight, and her return will be eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow players alike.
Korda’s journey to recovery will be closely watched, and her resilience and determination will undoubtedly shine through. As she takes the time she needs to heal, the golf community will rally around her, offering support and encouragement. Her return to the course will be a moment to celebrate, and her fans will be ready to cheer her on as she continues to make her mark in the world of golf.
Source: ESPN, AP
