“It’s an absolute brutal mess.” That’s how Beth Ann Nichols described the shocking situation involving Sophia Popov, who was incorrectly allowed to participate in three LPGA events despite not meeting the qualification criteria. Popov had taken a medical leave and maternity leave, and when she returned, she played in 17 events. However, when she called the LPGA in January to confirm her status, she was mistakenly told she was qualified for certain events. As a result, Popov played in three events she wasn’t eligible for, including the Founders Cup, Singapore, and Thailand.
The consequences of this gaffe are severe. Popov’s points have been stripped, and she’s been moved from category one on the LPGA to 19, dropping almost 100 spots in the rankings. She’s not even in the field for this week’s Ford event. The LPGA is still figuring out how to make things right for the three players who missed out on crucial opportunities due to Popov’s incorrect participation, per Golf Channel. As we await the outcome, our attention turns to the golfer at the center of the storm – Sophia Popov. But beyond the headlines, who is she? Well, lucky for you, we have got the answer!
Sophia Povov’s early days and major win
Born on October 2, 1992, the 32-year-old German golfer has come a long way since her early days on the course. Starting golf at the tender age of 5, Popov’s passion for the sport was influenced by her brother, who played a significant role in shaping her career. She went on to have a successful collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) before joining the LPGA Tour in 2015. As a wife and mother, Popov has navigated the challenges of balancing family life with her professional golfing career.
However, it’s her historic win at the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon that cemented her place in golfing history. Ranked 304th in the world at the time, Popov’s Cinderella story began with a top-10 finish at the 2020 Dana Open (then the Marathon LPGA Classic) in Ohio, which qualified her for the British Open. Despite the odds being against her, Popov rose to the challenge, becoming the first woman to win a major at Royal Troon. The victory was all the more remarkable given the circumstances – the tournament was played without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Well, that was her golf career, but what about her personal life? Does she have a partner? A boyfriend perhaps? Well, you’ll be surprised to know that the golfer is married!
Sophia Popov caddies for her husband
It was a quiet, intimate moment, far from the spotlight of the golf world. Sophia Popov and her husband, Maximilian Mehles, exchanged vows in a simple “justice of the peace ceremony” during the late off-season of 2021. The low-key affair was a deliberate choice, with the couple planning a grander celebration for a later date.
As they settled into married life, the major champion later traded in her golf clubs for a caddie’s bib in 2022, supporting her husband Maximilian Mehles at a U.S. Open qualifying event. The experience was a resounding success, with Mehles medaling at the qualifier after shooting a flawless 6-under 66. Popov, who famously caddied for friend Anne van Dam before winning the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open, joked about her “legendary caddying resume” and even considered switching careers. As Mehles prepared for sectional qualifying, Popov faced her own challenges on the LPGA tour.
She needed a strong finish at the Cognizant Founders Cup to play her way into the field. Despite the pressures of competition, Popov felt grateful to have her partner’s support. “It’s always easy to vibe well with your caddie when you’re playing well,” she said. “But it’s when you’re in a little bit of a hole and trying to figure out your golf game, it’s important to have someone on the bag you really trust.” And trust is what led to the next chapter in their life. One year later, they welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter named Maya Mae Mehles, on June 8, 2023. Popov announced her pregnancy on January 2, 2023, and shared the joyous news of Maya’s arrival on Instagram. So, what do you think about the golfer’s journey? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post Who Is Sophia Popov? Meet the Major Champ That Became the Scapegoat of LPGA’s Latest Screw-up appeared first on EssentiallySports.