Lilia Vu has arrived at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open! She teed off with a clear mission—to reclaim the title she won last year. The defending champion’s first round at the iconic Old Course of St Andrews Golf Club has come to a close, and she’s off to a strong start. After round one, Vu is tied for fourth place with an impressive three under par.

Her game is on point, but a familiar foe is lurking—a result of the harsh Scottish weather. Yes! her well-documented back problems. But how is she keeping up her play in around 60-degree Fahrenheit temperatures?

Lilia Vu gives an update on her back issues

Vu revealed during the post-round interview that staying warm and managing her back issues were her top priorities during the six-plus-hour round. The  26-year-old said, “I think it’s just staying warm,“ when asked about the challenges of the slow pace. “Especially for me with my back stuff, I just am constantly stretching, even when the pace is good. Definitely had to do a lot of that today.” she added.

But despite her woes, she stayed focused and patient—a testament to her determination to succeed. As she navigated the Old Course, Vu found herself waiting for four groups ahead of her on the 11th tee, a frustrating holdup that threatened to disrupt her rhythm. The slow pace of play forced her to manage her back strain for an extended period, adding to the physical and mental toll of the unforgiving Scottish weather.

The two-time major champion’s return to competitive golf is a remarkable tale of resilience. A series of setbacks this year, including back injuries, forced her to withdraw from several events. However, she gradually regained her momentum. The 2024 season has seen Lilia Vu bounce back from a challenging period, with her determination and hard work paying off.

However, Vu’s back issues have been a lingering concern since her major victory in 2023. Initially, she pushed through the pain and focused more on her game than her body. But as the strain took its toll, the 5-time LPGA Tour champ realized she had been ungrateful for her health. This newfound appreciation has driven her to prioritize her well-being.

That, in turn, allowed her to approach the game with a fresh perspective and renewed gratitude. In fact, this time, Vu’s back problems not only tested her patience but also cost her the chance to defend another prestigious title earlier in the year.

Lilia Vu’s withdrawal from the 2024 Chevron Championship

Lilia Vu won the 2023 Chevron Championship and the AIG Women’s Open. However, the 26-year-old was unable to defend her title at the Chevron this year due to her ongoing back issues. In an official statement, Vu announced her withdrawal from the tournament, revealing that her back problems resurfaced during her warm-up routine.

“I have been dealing with a back injury for a while now,” Vu explained. “Some days are better than others, and today was unfortunately not a good day. During my normal warm-up routine, I had severe discomfort in my back and felt that I could not compete up to my standards, so I made the decision to withdraw from the tournament ahead of my tee time.”

Overall, the 2024 season has tested Vu’s resilience, but her unwavering resolve and new perspective on health and self-care are setting the stage for an inspiring comeback. Will she defend her title this time? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.