Lilia Vu Returns to Chevron Championship Stronger After Last Year's Back Injury Scare
Lilia Vu's remarkable comeback journey has transformed her from a panicked defending champion to a major contender at the Chevron Championship. After withdrawing from last year's tournament due to a severe back injury that limited her driving distance to just 40 yards, Vu used her forced break to rebuild both her game and identity.
During her two-month hiatus, Vu focused on personal growth beyond golf. She spent time with family, read extensively, and found inspiration in "Be Water, My Friend" by Shannon Lee, which taught her adaptability in the face of challenges.
The transformation was immediate upon her return. Vu won the Meijer LPGA Classic in June and secured second-place finishes at both the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and AIG Women's Open. Her success stems from a new approach to body awareness, supported by movement specialist John Yamada, who helps maintain proper posture to prevent injury recurrence.
Now ranked fourth globally, Vu approaches the 2024 Chevron Championship with renewed confidence and perspective. Her journey from questioning her career to becoming a major threat again demonstrates the power of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.
"I'm in a much better place," Vu reflects, having learned to separate her identity from golf and embrace a more balanced approach to life and competition. Like water, she's ready to adapt to whatever challenges come her way, both on and off the course.