Ohio Golf Journal September 2020

Popov lost 25 pounds and had to work hard to regain the energy and stamina lost by the disease. Today she remains vigilant about her diet and exercise regimen to keep the illness from becoming an issue again. “I’m very disciplined as far as, my health, my nutrition and working out and doing everything in my power to have as little as possible symptoms. I have it under control really well. I want to keep it that way,” said Popov. “It was a long road to get here because there was a lot of personal research and figuring out on my own what would make me feel better, and I’m glad I got to the point where I’m feeling pretty good, and hopefully it stays that way.” MAJOR WIN HAS TOLEDO CONNECTION When the LPGA resumed at the Drive On Championship at the Inverness Club and with no Symetra Tour event scheduled that week, she decided to caddie for her good friend, Anne Van Dam. During the Drive On, she was made aware that the Marathon Classic had a few open spots that could go to Symetra Tour players. She applied and was offered a spot at Highland Meadows. Her four-day total of seven-under-par left her in a tie for ninth place and earned her a spot in the AIG Women’s OPEN. While the rest of the LPGA players headed to Detroit airport to catch the shuttle to the Ladies Scottish Open, Popov decided to head back to Arizona to play the Symetra Tour’s Founders Tribute. Her good form continued, and she finished runner-up, just one shot behind the winner Sarah White. She then flew to Scotland but was only able to get one practice round at Royal Troon before the tournament started. Her first round one-under- par 70, put her in a tie for second. Another solid one-over-par on Friday, held her position near the top of the leaderboard. On Saturday she carded a