LPGA mom returns after two-year break at BMW Championship in South Korea

Chella Choi will make her first appearance on the LPGA in more than two years at this week's BMW Ladies Championship. The 35-year-old South Korean gave birth to her first child, a son, in March 2024.

Choi posted a photo earlier this year with fellow LPGA moms in South Korea, including LPGA Hall of Famer Inbee Park and retired players Grace Park, Jee Young Lee and Hee-won Han.

"LPGA moms get together," Choi posted in the caption. "I learned a lot today too!"

The hospitable Choi is known for hosting an annual dinner during the week of the LPGA's annual South Korean stop for players, caddies, LPGA staff and media.

Choi, who was a rookie on the LPGA in 2009, won her first LPGA title at the 2015 Marathon Classic. She has 51 career top 10s and more than $7 million in career earnings. She last teed it up on the LPGA at the 2023 Amundi Evian Championship.

In June, Choi posted a video working on her swing with longtime coach Mike Bender.

Six years ago, the LPGA changed its maternity policy to allow players more flexibility. Athletes now have up to two years after the child's birth to get back to playing.

When players return, they retain the same status they held entering the season of maternity leave and have 12 month to compete at that status.

Alison Lee recently returned to competition four months after giving birth. The 30-year-old missed the cut at the Kroger Queen City Championship and Lotte Championship but opened with a 64 at the rain-canceled Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.

Brittany Altomare returned to action at the Honda LPGA Thailand for the first time since giving birth to son Wyatt last March. 

The most recent mom to win on the LPGA was Stacy Lewis in 2020 at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.