JERSEY CITY, New Jersey – 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 at the end of Friday’s second round, saying they will continue to monitor the situation at Liberty National.
The streak of withdrawals was highlighted in the first round when defending champion Rose Zhang retired after three holes due to an intestinal problem.
Two of the players nearby the top of the ranking They came in as substitutes on Thursday because Sweden’s Maja Stark and Germany’s Caroline Masson withdrew due to illness.
Then South Korea’s Mi Lee replaced Stark and Japan’s Mao Saigo got Masson’s place. Lee is in second place, two shots behind halfway leader Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand. Saigo is three strokes behind.
Of the 10 players who withdrew, the LPGA said three exited due to injuries.
“Medical professionals on site have treated several athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection,” the organization’s statement said. “The LPGA and tournament organizers continue to closely monitor the situation and are working together to advise and assist LPGA athletes with precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.”
China’s Ruoning Yin, who won the KPMG Women’s PGA last year, bowed out after a first-round 70. Americans Paula Creamer and Lindsey Weaver-Wright, South Korea’s Jiwon Jeon, Haeran Ryu and A Lim Kim and Minami Katsu of Japan also withdrew.
The tour has next week off before heading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for the U.S. Women’s Open.