Maude-Aimee Leblanc
Golfer Maude-Aimee Leblanc's rookie season on the LPGA Tour has come to an abrupt end because of a back injury.
The Canadian golfer says she will miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her back. The six-foot-one Sherbrooke, Que., native said she had been bothered by back pain for the last several weeks and decided to finally consult several specialists, who confirmed the diagnosis.
Leblanc has requested a medical release from the LPGA which means she'll be able to pick up the same number of tournaments she missed this year at the beginning of next season.
The 23-year-old, who was one of two Canadians to earn their LPGA Tour card at Q-School last fall, has played in eight tournaments to date, earning just over $43,000. She currently leads the LPGA in driving distance with a 282 yard average, three yards better than Brittany Lincicome.