FIRST, A MAJOR WIN. THEN A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.
Mini-tour player Sophia Popov won't get a five-year exemption on the LPGA Tour for winning the AIG Women's Open at Royal Troon. Judging from media reports, seemingly everyone assumed the five-year tour exemption was one of the many rewards for her surprising victory.
But no.
LPGA Tour Commisioner Mike Whan explained the Popov situation in the above statement.
Nor will Popov be in the field for the next two majors: the ANA Inspiration in September and the U.S. Women's Open in December. Those fields were already set.
However, Popov does receive a five-year exemption into the majors. Her first major will be the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in October. It's confusing. I know.
Popov said, "I definitely got a little bit frustrated about the whole thing."
(That might be an understatement.)
Popov added that she felt deserving of the five-year LPGA Tour exemption but understands the rule and that it can't be changed for her.
Meanwhile, Whan said he will think about the rule in the offseason and whether an update makes sense.
(H/T Golfweek)
Source: LPGA Tour: No Five-Year Exemption for Open Champion Sophia Popov