Early Friday morning, Nelly Korda announced she had withdrawn from the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She cited soreness in her back as the cause for her exit ahead of her 8:21 a.m. second-round tee time with Lydia Ko and Charley Hull and said that she is headed to a specialist to help diagnose any specific issue.
The 22-year-old American is the No. 2 player in the world, and shot a one-over 71 during the first round at Aronimink Golf Club to finish the day T-26, four back of first-round leaders Kelly Tan and Brittany Lincicome.
Korda had entered the week outside Philadelphia as the betting favorite to win the event. Last week at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, she finished fifth, and in her two prior starts she lost in a playoff at the ANA Inspiration and finished tied for third at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
She has three LPGA Tour victories, but is still in search of her first major title. Korda’s sister, Jessica, remains in the field, having shot a first-round 73.
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY