Last year, Sophia Popov celebrated becoming a mother after winning the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic on Mother’s Day. It was her first professional victory as a mother. Now, just one year later, Popov has another reason to celebrate.

The LPGA pro has just welcomed her second child into the world. On May 26, she shared the news on her Instagram. Popov posted a black-and-white picture of her newborn and captioned it: “Julian Leonard, 05.22.2026, #MehlesFoursome.” Her post quickly drew congratulations from across the golf world.

Popov and her husband, Maximilian Mehles, married in a quiet “justice of the peace ceremony” five years ago. The two met in Kentucky before marrying in 2021. Mehles, a former collegiate golfer, now works in accounting. The two welcomed their first child, daughter Maya Mae Mehles, on June 8, 2023.

Popov has previously spoken openly about PCOS and endometriosis, conditions that influenced family-planning decisions. She had a rocky return to professional golf after Maya’s birth, as she navigated LPGA Q-School before eventually finding her footing. In 2020, ranked 304th, she won the AIG Women’s Open.

Five years later, in May 2025, she won the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic. The resilience that defined her victory at Royal Troon has continued to shape her life away from the course. Julian’s arrival starts another chapter in her life.

Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and others congratulate Popov

World No. 1 Nelly Korda commented, “😍😍😍😍.”

The reaction is not surprising from Korda, who has long been very supportive of mothers in LPGA. When her sister Jessica announced a pregnancy in 2023, Korda said she was “selfishly really excited to spoil another baby.” Her comment under Popov’s post reflected the close-knit support within the LPGA community

Lexi Thompson, 11-time LPGA winner, wrote, “Congratulations!🥹🫶🏼.” She and Popov were tour peers for the better part of the decade.

Lydia Ko also commented, “Congratulations ❤️😍.”

Alison Lee, who returned to the greens in Feb 2026, just 18 weeks after giving birth to her baby boy, Levi, also commented with “❤️❤️❤️.” The two share a warm bond.

Polly Mark commented in German, honoring Popov’s roots in Wingarten, Germany, “Aww Gratulation ihr beiden!! Freu mich sehr für euch 🥰 (Aww congratulations you two!! Very happy for you 🥰)”

Fellow LPGA professional Emma Talley wrote, “Congrats, you guys!!!!”

Golf broadcaster Chantel McCabe commented, “❤️ sweetness. Praying for good, healthy healing and smooth recovery 💕.” She has covered the LPGA Tour as a reporter and host for years, working across Golf Channel, SiriusXM, and ESPN.

Some fans also congratulated Popov.

“My warmest congratulations and all the best to the four of you,” one of them wrote.

The LPGA’s maternity policy allows players to take leave in the year their child is born or the year after, with up to two years to return while retaining their tour status. Popov used that window after Maya’s arrival to rebuild and win again. It remains to be seen how Popov navigate this second chapter of her motherhood.