In sports, we have seen stars’ careers suffer due to personal problems. Remember when Tiger Woods had 3 back surgeries in 2 years? He took time off from golf and had his fourth surgery in 2017. After that, his career saw the biggest tragedy. He was charged with DUI while he claimed that his falling asleep behind the wheel was “an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications.” People were writing off Tiger Woods, saying there was no chance he’d ever win another major championship. But in 2019, he won his 5th Master’s victory, earning himself the prestigious Green Jacket. But do all superstars make a comeback?
There was a time when Danielle Kang was exemplary. The American golfer used to be consistent with her play on the course and churn out results from nowhere. She claimed the victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2017 over Brooke Henderson and has claimed five more wins since then. But in 2022, her golfing exploits had to take a pause, stemming from personal sufferings she had to endure.
Kang was diagnosed with a spinal tumor and had to undergo surgery. She made a swift return after recovery from surgery. But truth be told, she was far from the menacing threat she was before. The 32-year-old this season has been especially woeful, just making two cuts in six starts on the LPGA tour. In fact, her health issues became so difficult to cope with that she had to withdraw from participating in the Chevron Championship recently.
She is currently competing at the Black Desert Championship and is struggling at 2 over par, placed at T109. But not all is dull in Kang’s world. She has supportive friends who understand the plight that she is going through. In an Instagram story, Kang shared a photo of a gift she received from a fellow golfer and added a note that said, “When your baby sis knows everything and says she’s proud of my latest accomplishments.. says it’s time to celebrate. ily @lydsko.”
Lydia Ko was the giver of the gift, reposted the story, and added a note of her own that said, “So so proud of you! Excited for everything ahead.” Ko’s and Kang’s friendship is something amazing. Kang congratulated Ko after she claimed her first victory on the Tour at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Ko also went ahead and did something wholesome and nice for Kang.
Right after her difficult outing at the Chevron Championship, where she finished T52, Ko flew to San Francisco, where she caddied for Kang at the US Women’s Open qualifying. Kang and Ko have occasionally played together as a team on the LPGA Tour’s Dow Championship as well. Despite Ko’s support, Kang couldn’t qualify for the major, making it the first time she had missed out on an appearance at the US Women’s Open since 2009.
Lydia Ko caddies for Danielle Kang at U.S. Women’s Open qualifying in San Francisco https://t.co/BPICPBYfja pic.twitter.com/KSph8cCDaM
— Golfweek (@golfweek) April 29, 2025
However, the World No.3 is not the only source of support for Kang in these difficult times. As it turns out, all LPGA golfers are very close to each other, as substantiated by the outpouring of support for her. Also, have you heard of her Blue Bay outing? It is along the lines of an awaited comeback.
Danielle Kang celebrates her achievement at Blue Bay LPGA
Kang’s outing at the Blue Bay LPGA in China proved to be more memorable than usual. She finally made a cut at a tournament on the circuit this year. After scoring a 4 over-par, she played the weekend at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course. And since it was a huge motivating achievement, Kang decided to celebrate.
Joining her was the talented Angel Yin. Yin had brought the cake for Kang, and the latter put an Instagram story with a frosting-coated knife and had the caption, “when your sis gets you the ‘congrats you finally made the cut’ cake.” Danielle Kang finished T68 with a score of 10 over par at the event. Let’s hope to see more of her successful tours in the circuit.
Do you think Kang can bounce back to her previous form this year and claim a 7th LPGA Tour title? Let us know in the comments below.
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