Sophia Popov (right) poses with her boyfriend Maximilian Mehles, who served as her caddy, immediately after winning the AIG Women’s Open last year.
(Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae) ○… “Queen Major” Sophia Popov (Germany) turned into a shopping cart.
On the 11th (Korean time), at the PGA Tour Canada qualifying tournament held in Alabama, USA, she carried the caddy bag for her boyfriend Maximilian Mehles (Germany). While the LPGA Tour was on hiatus, she happily wore the caddy vest to help her boyfriend challenge the professional scene. Mehles had carried Popov’s bag on the LPGA Tour. This time, their roles have been reversed.
The two met and became a couple during their time on the German amateur team. Mehles graduated from an American university in May last year and dreamed of competing on the PGA Tour, but when circumstances were difficult he took on the role of Popov’s caddy. Last year, Mehles appeared as a caddy at the big AIG Women’s Open and they won together, and since then he has been working as Popov’s caddy. Popov explained: “It’s not the first time; I caddyed for my boyfriend when he played a small one-day tournament.”
She adds with a smile: “I help him understand the greens and choose the clubs” and “My role is above all to encourage my friend’s courage”. Before winning the AIG Women’s Open, Popov also caddied for her friend, long-hitter Honor van Dam (Netherlands), at the LPGA Drive On Championship. Popov will fight for the title at the Kia Classic, which opens on the 25th at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California, United States.
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