2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Champion Danielle Kang revealed today that she’s been battling a spinal tumor. Since withdrawing from the Palos Verdes Championship presented by Bank of America and subsequently de-committing from the Cognizant Founders Cup, Kang has been dealing with a myriad of back issues and the tumor was discovered during medical procedures done to diagnose the source of her discomfort.
Because of her long-time relationship with MGM Rewards, Kang pushed herself to play last week at the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play in Las Vegas and came to this week at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club only because of her desire to compete in the major championship, something she’s been working toward since the onset of her injury.
“I'm actually doing everything I can,” said Kang following her second round of the U.S. Women’s Open presented by ProMedica. “I don't know how to answer these things right now. I don't have all the answers. I've been working with (my doctor) and he has been really great, and my physio has gone above and beyond. Same thing with my physio out here. They're just keeping me together. My goal is to play this week. I didn't want to miss it. For the last seven, eight weeks I've done everything I can to get here. After this week, I will focus on addressing the issue and then trying to figure it out from there.”
Despite the hardships, Kang shot rounds of 71 and 74 at Pine Needles, making the cut on the number at +3.