By: Max Bechtoldt
While the leaderboard heading into the weekend is strong at the Mizuho Americas Open, one of the biggest stories of the week has been the excessive players withdrawing over the first two days.
10 players in total have WD, including some of the biggest stars in the game. Defending champion, world No. 6 Rose Zhang was the first to withdraw due to illness on Thursday, opening the flood gates. Zhang released the following statement:
“I am really disappointed that I had to withdraw from the Mizuho Americas Open today. This tournament holds a special place in my heart, having had such an amazing week last year when I captured my first LPGA Tour win here at Liberty National. I was really looking forward to trying to defend my title, but unfortunately spent the last 12 hours with really bad intestinal pain. I am so grateful to my team and everyone involved in this event including Michelle Wie West. She has truly helped put on a world-class event and I wish everyone, including all of the amazing AJGA competitors, the best of luck this week. I look forward to returning next year to this great event and thank you again to everyone who has been so supportive.”
Also withdrawing because of illness were Caroline Masson, Maja Stark, Jiwon Jeon, Minami Katsu, Paula Creamer and Haeran Ryu.
Three additional players, Lindsay Weaver-Wright, A Lim Kim and Ruoning Yin withdrew because of injury. Yin, who was in the Golf Channel featured coverage was in clear discomfort late in round one, and received treatment on her wrist during the round.
The LPGA released a statement Friday afternoon:
“A total of 10 players have withdrawn from the field at the Mizuho Americas Open since play began on Thursday. Three of those withdrawals have been due to injury, and the others due to various illnesses.
Medical professionals on site have treated several athletes for symptoms related to a viral infection.
The LPGA and tournament organizers continue to monitor the situation closely, and are working together to advise and assist the LPGA athletes with precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.”
Ironically, the last player in the field So Mi Lee, is in second place entering the weekend. She was entered into the field Maja Stark’s withdrawal.
