By: Max Bechtoldt
Watching the afternoon featured group coverage of the Chevron Championship on ESPN+, I was taken aback by one of the participants.
It turns out I wasn’t the only one.
I was expecting to see Minjee Lee and Nelly Korda go out with two-time major winner and reigning champion, Rolex No. 2 Lilia Vu. Instead Jennifer Song was in her place. The announcers were surprised as well.
According to reports, Vu dropped out after a back flare up on the driving range. Vu has struggled with back issues all season, already having withdrawn from two previous 2024 events.
Vu shared this to Instagram:
“I am so sorry to have to withdraw from The Chevron Championship, as I was really looking forward to defending my first major title. I have been dealing with a back injury for a while now. Some days are better than others, and today was unfortunately not a good day. During my normal warm-up routine, I had severe discomfort in my back and I felt that I could not compete up to my standards and made the decision to withdraw from the tournament ahead of my tee time. I am planning to return home to see my doctors immediately to determine the best appropriate next steps.
I want to thank everyone at Chevron for their support and understanding. I am so proud to be a Chevron champion and can’t wait to get back next year. Thank you as well to the fans and volunteers at the course – you are in for a wonderful four days!”
So, there will be no two-time champion at the Club at Carlton Woods for now.
