JERSEY CITY, NJ – LPGA officials are concerned about health concerns at the Mizuho Americas Open after 10 players withdrew from the event over the past two days, including seven with various illnesses.
The LPGA issued a statement late Friday in the second round saying they will continue to monitor the situation at Liberty National.
The series of withdrawals was highlighted in the first round when defending champion Rose Zhang dropped out after three holes due to an intestinal problem.
Two of the players close the top of the rankings Thursday came in as alternates because Maja Stark of Sweden and Caroline Masson of Germany withdrew due to illness.
So South Korea’s Mi Lee replaced Stark and Japan’s Mao Saigo took Masson’s spot. Lee is in second place, two shots behind halfway leader Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand. Saigo is three shots behind.
Of the 10 players who withdrew, three left with injuries, according to the LPGA.
“Medical professionals on site treated several athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection,” the organization’s statement said. “The LPGA and tournament organizers continue to monitor the situation closely and are working together to advise and assist LPGA athletes with precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.”
Ruoning Yin of China, who won the KPMG Women’s PGA last year, withdrew after an opening round of 70. Also included were Americans Paula Creamer and Lindsey Weaver-Wright, South Koreans Jiwon Jeon, Haeran Ryu and A Lim Kim and Minami Katsu withdrew from Japan.
The tour has next week off before heading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the U.S. Women’s Open.
