Danielle Kang has been diagnosed with a spinal tumor, the 29-year-old golfer revealed Friday at the U.S. Women’s Open in Southern Pines, N.C.
The American, who shot a 3-over 74 Friday, has been battling back pain since April, which led her to withdraw from a string of competitions this season.
Danielle Kang's approach to the end of Round 1 at the #USWomensOpen led to a solid finish to her day. Golf Channel | @ADP— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) June 3, 2022
Danielle Kang's approach to the end of Round 1 at the #USWomensOpen led to a solid finish to her day. Golf Channel | @ADP
“It’s not just that I have an issue with my back, there is more to it,” Kang said. “The scary part is that, I understand, and I didn’t want to publicize it, but I know it got out. There’s more to it. I just don’t want to really discuss the details of what’s going on in my back.”
When asked if the tumor was benign, Kang told media that she didn’t “have the answers now.”
Kang said she has undergone multiple procedures and that the diagnosis has been a process of elimination.
While she admitted she isn’t feeling her best on the course, she was pleased to be back playing golf, even if just for this weekend. The star golfer said she has already withdrawn from the next two tour events.
“I’m good enough to kind of play,” she said. “All I wanted to do was compete. I feel like I can, just got a little unlucky out there today, made a crazy triple. Other than that, I actually played really solid.”